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Category: Liturgical Calendar

The Liturgical Calendar defines the Church year, outlining a series of seasons and festive occasions that liturgical ceremonies observe throughout the year. Christians used this calendar as a guide, so they could properly celebrate the significant events in the life of Christ and the Church.

The liturgical year is divided into six seasons, each with its own theme and focus. Advent, which heralds the coming of Christ, begins the Church year, followed by Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. Lent is a time of penance and reflection, leading up to Holy Week, which culminates in the celebration of Easter, the most important feast of the Christian calendar. Ordinary Time follows Easter, with a focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Church. The season of Advent then begins again, marking the end of one liturgical year and the beginning of another.

Throughout the year, the Liturgical Calendar also includes several important feasts and solemnities, such as the Feast of the Epiphany, the Transfiguration, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and All Saints’ Day. These celebrations allow the faithful to honor the lives of the saints and reflect on the significance of their contributions to the Church.

By following the Liturgical Calendar, Christians can participate in a rich tradition of liturgical worship that connects them to the history of the Church and the life of Christ. It provides a framework for the celebration of the mysteries of faith and ensures that Christian followers would never lose sight of the significance of these events in their lives.

Green Vestment for Epiphany

What’s So Special About Our Epiphany Set?

We just finished a special Epiphany set that’s different from our usual work. Using white and green fabrics, we connected the Christmas season to Lent. Our green Luther Rose brocade and white accents make this set truly special for worship. We’re now thinking about a new set with darker green Winchester fabric and elegant Venezia tapestry. Want to see our creations and what’s coming next? Visit our Facebook Page to know more!

Green IHC Liturgical Fabric

That is a lot of green… What’s the Deal?

As summer approaches, churches don shades of green in celebration of Ordinary Time. This season, falling outside major liturgical periods, embodies themes of hope, life, and spiritual growth. Green vestments worn by clergy symbolize the Church’s focus on continual renewal and deepening faith, serving as a visual reminder of our ongoing journey with Christ.

Apostle Banner Green Trinity Season

Green?! Are you ready?

Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar and encourages readers to consider custom vestments for their worship space. It stresses the importance of planning ahead due to the bespoke nature of the vestments, with a lead time of 4 to 6 weeks. Readers are urged to act now to ensure availability, custom craftsmanship, and a seamless transition into Ordinary Time, fostering spiritual renewal and community nurturing within faith communities.

Green Gold St. Margaret Brocade Fabric for Church vestments or Renaissance Costumes

Why We Use Green for the Season of Pentecost

Green, with its lush and lively appearance, is often associated with growth, renewal, and the vitality of nature. During the Pentecost season, the Church reflects upon the birth and growth of the early Christian community, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Green serves as a powerful symbol of the spiritual growth that occurs within individuals and the Church as a whole. The color green serves as a visual reminder of the hope, inspiration, and guidance that the Holy Spirit provides, fueling the growth of faith and the spreading of God’s love throughout the world.

Trinity banner white brocade for use on Trinity Sunday

Trinity Sunday

Trinity Sunday is a Christian feast day celebrated on the Sunday after Pentecost. It is a day dedicated to the Holy Trinity – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith, and Trinity Sunday serves as a reminder of the essential nature of this belief. Trinity Sunday is a day that holds great significance for Christians around the world.

Burning Bush Pentecost Cope

Pentecost and Its Connection to Easter

The word “Pentecost” comes from the Greek term “pent?kost?” which means “fiftieth.” Pentecost finds its roots in the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, which takes place 50 days after Passover and celebrates the giving of the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai. Pentecost is a significant Christian holiday commemorating the Holy Spirit’s descent upon the apostles of Jesus Christ, marking the birth of the Christian Church.

Ascension Day Artwork

A Journey Through Ascension Day

Ascension Day is an important Christian holiday that marks the conclusion of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ and his ascension into heaven. Observed 40 days after Easter Sunday, Ascension Day commemorates the moment when Jesus, after his resurrection, was taken up into the clouds before the eyes of his Disciples. This event is recognized in various Christian denominations around the world, each with unique customs and traditions. Let’s explore the significance of Ascension Day and how it is celebrated in different cultures.

Dove and Flames Altar Hanging Ecclesiastical Sewing

Why Do We Wear Red on Pentecost?

The use of the color red in the church during Pentecost is commonly attributed to its association with the flames of the Holy Spirit, which descended upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ as tongues of fire. Red, as the color of fire and blood, is a natural choice to represent this element. The imagery of flames and fire is often associated with the Holy Spirit in Christian iconography, and red serves as a powerful visual reminder of the transformative power of faith.

Saint Ignatius of Antioch Chasuble

Laetare Sunday in Lent

The word Laetare means “rejoice” in the Latin text of the word. Laetare was ultimately decided to be the name for this Sunday of rejoicing and celebration from the Latin text of the scripture verses found in the 66th chapter of the book of Isaiah.
The six-week season of Lent is overall a time of solemn and somber fasting spent in penance and preparation for the coming of Easter Sunday.

Symbols of Lent: Penitence to Hope

What are the symbols of Lent: Penitence to hope?
Ashes are probably one of the more recognizable symbols of Lent.
Churches that observe this, use purple vestments during Lent season.
Pretzels a Lenten treat that fits the dietary restrictions while reminding us to pray.
Fish on Friday and giving money during Lent.
What other symbols do you commonly see during this time of year in your church or in churches you have visited?