The Sunday bulletin always notes the day of the church year which is being celebrated. Just as we have spring, summer, fall, and winter, the church year has the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. Just as we have special celebrations like Labor Day and Independence Day, the church has special days like Transfiguration, Good Friday, Trinity, All Saints, and Christ the King. These special days help remember events and people in the life of Jesus and the church. Each season and special day has its own theme, color, and assigned lessons.

Advent—focuses on getting ready for the coming of Jesus. The color for this season is purple, symbolic of hope.

Christmas—celebrates the birth of Jesus. The color of this season is white, symbolic of gladness, light, and joy.

Epiphany—celebrates the coming of the magi. The color for this day is white.

Ordinary Time I—Following the Christmas season, there is a period of Sundays in which no special festival or occasion is being observed. Liturgically, this is known as Ordinary Time, and there are two periods in the liturgical year which have this designation. The traditional liturgical color for this season is green, symbolizing spiritual growth.

Lent—a season of penitence and preparation for the celebration of the Resurrection. The color for this season is purple, symbolizing somberness and preparation.

Easter—celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord. The color for this season is white.

Pentecost—celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit. The color for this day is red, and for the following Sundays it is green.

Ordinary Time II—Following Pentecost, there is a period of Sundays in which no special festival or occasion is being observed. Liturgically, this is known as Ordinary Time, and there are two periods in the liturgical year which have this designation. The traditional liturgical color for this season is green, symbolizing spiritual growth.

All Saints’ Day and Other Festivals—these days may or may not fall on a Sunday. The color for these days is either white or green, depending on what or who is being celebrated.