Liturgies
A liturgy is the official public worship of the Church. The most common liturgy is the Mass, celebrated daily and especially on Sundays.
This sacred exercise is the priestly ministry of Jesus Christ. Through liturgical celebrations, God's grace is made present through visible signs, not merely as private devotion, but a celebration of the whole Church through our faithful participants.
The Holy Eucharistic (Mass)
Weekday Mass: Ordinary daily celebrations of the Eucharist
Sunday Mass: The principal weekly celebration of the Lord's Resurrection and the primary Holy Day of Obligation.
Vigil Mass: Masses celebrated on the evening before a Sunday or a major feast day. Attending the Saturday Vigil as an anticipated evening Mass can fulfill the Sunday Day of Obligation.
Holy Days of Obligation (Australia)
Catholics in Australia are obliged to attend Mass on:
- Every Sunday
- Christmas Day - Nativity of the Lord (25 December)
- The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (15 August)
Sacramental Liturgies
Please visit our Sacraments page for the sacramental liturgies of: Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders.
Liturgy of the Word
The Liturgy of the Word is the first major part of the Mass, following the Introductory Rites. It is centred on the proclamation of Sacred Scripture, allowing the faithful to listen to the Word of God, reflect on its message, and apply it to their daily lives.
Liturgy of the Word with or without Holy Communion, can be led by religious and trained lay members, with approval of the Bishop, to our faithful community.
Liturgy of the Hours
Also known as the Divine Office, this is the Church's official set of prayers, including morning, evening and other prayer offices offered throughout the day. Lay people, as well as clergy and religious living in community, are encouraged to pray the prayer of the Church, with a special emphasis on morning prayer and evening prayer.
Liturgical Celebrations
Solemnities: Solemnities are the highest-ranking celebrations in the Church’s liturgical calendar. They commemorate the most significant events in the life of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints. Examples include Christmas, Easter Sunday, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and All Saints’ Day.
(January 1 – Mary, the Holy Mother of God, 6 January – The Epiphany, 19 March – St. Joseph and so forth)
Feasts: Important celebrations of Christ, Our Lady and particular saints, for example; the Feast of the Transfiguration, and the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul.
Memorials: Celebrations of saints and other significant events in the Church's life.
Weekdays (Ferial Days): Ordinary days of the liturgical year that are not assigned a feast, memorial or solemnity.
Liturgical Seasons
There are five major liturgical seasons, each has a specific role within the Church's pedagogy of faith; where they progressively celebrate the fullness of the mystery of Christ.
Advent: Starting four weeks before Christmas, it marks the beginning of the liturgical year and prepares for the coming of Christ.
The Christmas Season: Celebrates the birth of Jesus and concludes with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which is ordinarily celebrated on the Sunday after the Solemnity of the Epiphany.
Lent: This is a penitential season, preparing for Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes before the evening mass of The Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday. The last Sunday of this season is Palm Sunday which inaugurates Holy Week.
The Paschal Triduum: Although not a major season, the Paschal Triduum is the summit of the liturgical year as it commemorates the complete work of human redemption: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil.
The Easter Season: Celebrating the triumph of the Resurrection, this period consists of 50 days, from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday. The first eight days are the Octave of Easter.
Ordinary Time (Parts 1 &2): Liturgies in ordinary time do not focus on a particular mystery of Christ, but reflects on His public ministry, preaching and the establishment of the Kingdom of God.
Liturgical Years
The Sunday readings that make up the Liturgy of the Word follow a three-year cycle:
- Year A: The Gospel of Matthew
- Year B: The Gospel of Mark
- Year C: The Gospel of Luke
The Gospel of John is used especially during Lent, Easter and major feasts.
Liturgical Colours
Liturgical colours are the colours of the vestments worn by ministers, as well as church decorations. They help express the meaning of the season, liturgy, or celebration and teach the faithful about the mysteries being celebrated. The colours change throughout the Church year to reflect themes such as joy, repentance, sacrifice, hope, and the witness of saints.
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White | Symbolises: joy, purity, light, glory and victory. Used for:
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Black | Symbolises: mourning and remembrance of the dead. Used for:
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Red | Symbolises: the Holy Spirit, fire, blood, sacrifice and martyrdom. Used for:
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Purple/Violet | Symbolises: preparation, penance and conversion. Used for:
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Rose | Symbolises: joyful anticipation in the midst of a penitential season. Used for:
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Gold or Silver | Symbolises: special solemnity and festivity. Used for:
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Green | Symbolises: hope and spiritual growth. Used for:
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