St John Bosco R. C. Primary
SchoolThe Liturgical Year
Our 2023 - 2024 Liturgical Video is here!
Watch our liturgical video for 2023 -2024
As we look forward to next weekend and the start of a new liturgical year we turn our focus to celebration of this liturgical year.
The liturgical year for 2023-2024 encompasses a rich tapestry of seasons and celebrations that guide the faithful through the mysteries of Christian redemption
.As the faithful journey through these seasons, they are called to participate actively in the liturgy and community prayer, fostering a spirit of unity and charity. Each season offers unique opportunities for reflection, growth, and communal celebration, enriching the spiritual lives of all believers.
As Pope Francis reminds us,
“Dear young people, do not be afraid to share with others the hope and joy of the risen Christ!”
Together, let us proclaim the message of Christ through our actions and words, becoming true witnesses of His love in the world through our St John Bosco Liturgical Video.
What is the Liturgical Year?
The liturgical year is a cycle that keeps repeating itself year after year, but, from a spiritual standpoint, it is always new because it continues to draw us more deeply into our relationship with Christ.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that each liturgical year becomes for us a “year of the Lord’s favor” (No. 1168).
In Year A, we read from Matthew for the Gospels of Ordinary Time; in Year B, Mark; in Year C, Luke.
2023-2024 (B) Mark
2024- 2025 (C) Luke
2025 - 2026 (A) Matthew
Unlike the secular year, which marks the passage of time, the liturgical year celebrates the sacred mysteries of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It includes the feast of the Ascension, when Jesus returned to heaven with the promise that he would come again, and Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles.
Advent
It is a time of waiting for the birth of the Messiah. There are four Sundays in Advent.
You’ll notice at Mass that the colour used for vestments and altar cloths during Advent are violet or dark violet, with pink on the Third Sunday of Advent to symbolise hope.
The readings and the music during Advent reflect this spirit of anticipation and longing for the coming of the Lord.
Ordinary Time
Ordinary time follows the Christmas season. It begins on the Monday after the feast of the Baptism of the Lord and ends when Lent begins.
A second period of Ordinary Time follows Pentecost and continues until the beginning of Advent.
The colour green, a symbol of hope, is used for vestments and altar cloths during Ordinary Time.
Throughout Ordinary Time, the story of Jesus’ life and ministry continues to unfold.
Lent
Lent is the time of year when Christians prepare for Easter. It lasts for 40 days.
During Lent, many Christians fast, or go without regular meals.
They do this in memory of Jesus Christ, who is said to have fasted for 40 days in the desert.
Easter
Easter is the greatest celebration in the Catholic Church because it is the completion of the Holy week that ends with the resurrection of Jesus.
Easter celebrates the beginning and foundation of Christianity. Jesus was raised from the dead, and it goes to show that He conquered sin and death.
Check out the 2022-2023 liturgical year video here