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Liturgical Calendar

Introduction

Contents

  • Background
  • Liturgical Calendar
  • Calendar Notes
  • Liturgical Seasons
  • Additions to Calendar
  • National Calendar
  • Documents
  • Table of Rubrics
  • Moveable Feasts
  • Table of Sundays
  • Holydays of Obligation
  • Summary Table
Background
Pages giving a brief explanation of different elements concerning liturgical calendars. Where helpful a link to the relevant explanation will be provided in the sections below.
  • Liturgical Seasons
  • Liturgical Calendars
Liturgical Calendar
A liturgical calendar for the current and other years. Information is provided about Sunday and other celebrations. This information is being developed over the coming years.
  • 2019–2020
  • 2018–2019
  • 2017–2018
  • 2016–2017
  • 2015–2016
  • 2014–2015
  • 2013–2014
  • 2012–2013
  • 2011–2012
  • 2010–2011
  • 2009–2010
  • 2008–2009
  • 2007–2008
  • 2006–2007
  • 2005–2006
A table giving a Summary of dates can be found at the bottom of the page.
Information is also included about the Universal Calendar (brief explanation) which is used by the whole Church.
Calendar Notes
Each year the Liturgy Office provides a summary of the Liturgical Calendar for the forthcoming year noting any particular changes. A draft list is provided for the following year.
  • 2022 - draft (pdf)
  • 2021 (pdf)
  • 2020 (pdf)
  • 2019 (pdf)
  • 2018 (pdf)
  • 2017 (pdf)
  • 2016 (pdf)
  • 2015 (pdf)
  • 2014 (pdf)
  • 2013 (pdf)
  • 2012 (pdf)
  • 2011 (pdf)
  • 2010 (pdf)
  • 2009 (pdf)
  • 2008 (pdf)
  • 2007 (pdf)
  • 2006 (pdf)
  • 2005 (pdf)
Liturgical Seasons
In addition to the brief introduction the following pages give background notes and a compendium of materials from the site.
  • Advent
  • Christmas
  • Lent
  • Triduum
  • Easter
  • Ordinary Time
Additions to the Universal Calendar
The Roman Missal, 3rd edition, included a number of Saints who have been added to the Universal Calendar. Since its publication a number of other celebrations, such as St John XXIII, have also been included. A list of these Celebrations and a list of Lectionary Readings is available. Additions to the National Calendars for England and for Wales are given with the information for those Calendars — see next section.
  • Additions to the Universal Calendar
National Calendar
Details of the National Calendars for:
  • England
  • Wales
Documents
The following Church documents on celebrating the liturgical year are available:
  • Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and the Calendar
  • Directory on Popular Piety (excerpts)
  • Celebrating the Paschal Feasts
Table of Rubrics
The table of rubrics gives details of when celebrations using the formularies from Ritual Masses, Masses for Various Needs and Occasions, Votive Masses, and Masses for the Dead are permitted within the liturgical year.
Moveable Feasts
A page giving a table of moveable feasts up to 2050 with downloadable pdf file
Table of Sundays
Apart from the Seasons of Lent and Easter each Sunday of the Year is tied to a range of dates - this table gives details.
Holydays of Obligation
Bold entries in the table below denote Holydays of Obligation in England and Wales. From the 1st Sunday of Advent 2017 (3 December) the number of Holydays in England and Wales will change. The Epiphany of the Lord, The Ascension of the Lord will be celebrated on 6 January and Thursday in the 6th Week of Easter respectively. This is shown in the table below. For more details see the Holydays page.
Holydays of Obligation in England and Wales:
  • Every Sunday
  • Nativity of the Lord (25 December)
  • Epiphany of the Lord (6 January*)
  • Ascension of the Lord (Thursday after 6th Sunday of Easter)
  • St Peter & St Paul (29 June*)
  • The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (15 August*)
  • All Saints (1 November*)
* According to a decision of the Bishops' Conference (1984) Holydays which fall on Saturday or Monday are transferred to the Sunday.
Summary Table of Liturgical Dates
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2019 2020 2021 2022 2021 2022
Lectionary (Sunday/Weekday) C/1 A/II B/I C/II A/I B/II
First Sunday of Advent 2 December 2018 1 December 2019 29 November 2020 28 November 2021 27 November 2022 3 December 2023
Nativity of the Lord 25 December 25 December 25 December 25 December 25 December 25 December
Epiphany 6 January 5 January 6 January 6 January 6 January 7 January
Ash Wednesday 6 March 26 February 17 February 2 March 22 February 14 March
Easter Sunday 21 April 12 April 4 April 17 April 9 April 31 March
Ascension 30 May 21 May 13 May 26 May 18 May 9 May
Pentecost 9 June 31 May 23 May 5 June 28 May 19 May
The Body and Blood of the Lord 23 June 14 June 6 June 19 June 11 June 2 June
St Peter & St Paul 30 June 28 June 29 June 29 June 29 June 30 June
Assumption 15 August 16 August 15 August 14 August 15 August 15 August
All Saints 1 November 1 November 31 October 1 November 1 November 1 November
First Sunday of Advent 1 December 29 November 28 November 27 November 3 December 1 December
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