"Within the cycle of a year, moreover, [the Church] unfolds the whole mystery of Christ, from the incarnation and birth until the ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the expectation of blessed hope and of the coming of the Lord."

(Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 102)

Every year - through the successive seasons of Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time, Lent, and Easter - the Church invites us into a deeper encounter with the life and person of Jesus Christ. But why and when do priests wear purple? And what makes Ordinary Time "ordinary"? This week, we'll learn about the liturgical year, wrapping up with some resources to help you prepare for the start of the new liturgical year on December 1, 2024.

Ever wonder why some Catholics say "Happy New Year" at the beginning of Advent? Watch and learn the basics of liturgical seasons in this video from the Dominican Friars of the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus.

Click here to explore free resources for living the liturgical year from Loyola Press. Learn about each season, read about devotions from around the world, explore videos and digital retreats, and access printable resources to share with your family.

Advent with the McGrath Institute

Advent begins on Sunday, December 1, 2024. Check out these free resources to help you live into this liturgical season from the McGrath Institute for Church Life:

2024-25 Digital Advent + Christmas Crèche Calendar

Sign up to receive a daily email with an image of a crèche (nativity scene) from a different part of the world, accompanied by a reflective description and a brief prayer.

3D Nativity Coloring Kit

Enjoy coloring and crafting your own nativity scene and let it be a reminder to thank God this Christmas for the gift of his Son, Jesus.

Praying the O Antiphons

This printable eBook invites you to pray the "O antiphons" from December 17 to 23 with theological reflections from the McGrath Institute for Church Life and Notre Dame Department of Theology.

The liturgical year is an endless source of opportunities to get your whole family - kids, too! - involved in celebrating the mysteries of our Catholic faith. Today, our featured saint is a beloved educator, John Bosco.

Looking for more opportunities to deepen your faith here at Saint Pius X? Visit our website to learn more!

• StPius.net/Faith Homepage for seasonal adult faith formation programs
• StPius.net/Bible Bible studies and Bible study resources, including our Living Water Bible Study blog
• StPius.net/Groups Grow in faith with a group! Check out That Man is You! and She Shall Be Called Woman
• StPius.net/Resources Parish lending library, subscriptions to Catholic periodicals, and instructions for accessing Formed.org