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“Ordinary Time is a time for growth. It’s a time in which the mystery of Christ is called to penetrate ever more deeply into history until all things are finally caught up in Christ. The goal, toward which all of history is directed, is represented by the final Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. ” From: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/ordinary-time.cfm “Advent begins the Church’s liturgical year and includes the four Sundays leading up to the celebration of Christmas. It’s a time of preparation which directs our hearts and our minds to Christ’s second coming.” From: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/advent/index.cfm ” Christmas is one of the most important days (second to Easter) within the liturgical year. It is the feast of the Incarnation – the feast of God becoming flesh.” From: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/christmas/index.cfm “Lent is a time during which we are called to devote ourselves to growing in faith and closer to God through prayer, fasting and giving alms. During this season, the baptized are called to renew their baptismal promises as others prepare to be baptized through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).” From: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/lent/index.cfm “Easter is the most important of all liturgical times. Easter is the celebration of the Lord’s resurrection, ascension to the Father and sending of the Holy Spirit upon the Church.” From: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/easter/index.cfm Holy Week – the Easter Triduum marks the end of the Lenten season. Services that take place during Holy Week include Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Though celebrated on three separate days, liturgically it is one celebration – an unfolding for us of the Paschal Mystery. Pentecost, often known as “the birthday of the church,” is celebrated fifty days after Easter. It was on Pentecost that the Holy Spirit came to the disciples. |
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