CHURCH LITURGICAL CALENDAR

—The official calendar of the Catholic Church

—Ends with the solemnity of "Christ the King" which recalls the kingship of Christ in the universe but prepares as well
for the opening of the Church Liturgical calendar

•John the Baptist preaching and baptizing at Jordan to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah

•The Birth of Jesus

•Triumphant entry at Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)

•Washing of the Feet of His Apostles (Holy Thursday)

•Crucifixion (Good Friday)

•Resurrection

•Ascension

•Pentecost Sunday

—Divided into 5 major Seasons of the celebrations each with distinct theological emphasis and modes of prayers; each
time signified by various Church' decors, colors of vestments of the ministers, scriptures, themes of addresses, homily
and salutations

5 Seasons
Advent - time when we prepare ourselves for the first coming of Christ and His nativity

-purple to signify the royalty of the coming of King Jesus Christ and the penitential tone of Advent

Christmas - time to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus

-also include the solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, Epiphany and the feast of the Holy Family

- white & gold signifies the joyous season

1st Period of Ordinary Time -prepares us for the next season of celebration

-begins with the Baptism of Jesus at Jordan

-Green signifying the season of "growth"

Lent - prepares for the commemoration of Jesus paschal mystery

-Begins with Ash Wednesday leading to the Paschal Triduum which commemorates Jesus passion, death &
resurrection (Holy Thursday, Good Friday & Easter Vigil)

- Purple symbolizes penitence

Easter - celebrates the triumph of Jesus over death in His Resurrection and our sharing in His life through Baptism

- we light the Paschal Candle -stands for Christ who Is the Light of the World

-white and gold

- ends with Pentecost Sunday – Red signifies the flame of the Holy Spirit

2nd Period of Ordinary Time - Ends the season with the solemnity of Christ the King

- Why finale? -To recognize Jesus as our King and savior and we express our unity in His being a king and reminds
us that at the end of time his kingship remains and his reign is the fulfillment of life

- JESUS is the ALPHA and the OMEGA