The Lectionary is a three-year cycle observed in the Catholic Church for the readings on Sundays and on some principal feasts with four passages from Scripture, including one from the Psalms. The first reading and the psalm recurring in a two-year cycle, while the Gospel reading recurs after a single year.
The years are designated as A, B, and C. The yearly cycle begins on the first Sunday of Advent (the Sunday between November 27 and December 3 inclusive). The years are divided into six seasons - Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time (Time after Epiphany), Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time (Time after Pentecost). Besides the readings, the liturgical calendar also underlines how the interior of the Church must be decorated, what colour shall be the priest's vestment, the spiritual seasons and much more.
Year A: Gospel of Matthew
Year B: Gospel of Mark
Year C: Gospel of Luke
The Gospel of John is read throughout Easter, and is used for other liturgical seasons including Advent, Christmas, and Lent where appropriate.
The liturgical colours mean the following.
Liturgical Calendar for Australia
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