As we approach the close of Liturgical Year C, it is a good time to reflect on the rhythm of the Church’s calendar and the ways it shapes our journey of faith. The Catholic liturgical year is composed of two intertwined cycles: the Proper of Time (the seasonal cycle) and the Proper of Saints (the sanctoral cycle). These cycles guide the faithful through the mysteries of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, marking seasons of preparation, celebration, penance, and joy.
The Six Seasons of the Liturgical Year
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Advent: Four weeks of preparation before the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
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Christmas: Celebrating the Nativity of Christ and His manifestation to the world.
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Lent: Six weeks of penance and reflection leading up to Easter.
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Sacred Paschal Triduum: The holiest three days of the year, commemorating Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection.
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Easter: Fifty days of joyful celebration of the Lord’s resurrection and the sending of the Holy Spirit.
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Ordinary Time: Divided into two periods—one after Christmas and one after Easter—focusing on the fullness of Jesus’ teachings and ministry.
The Church’s liturgical calendar follows a three-year cycle—Years A, B, and C—each highlighting a different Gospel during Sunday Mass. This cycle ensures that the faithful hear the majority of Scripture proclaimed over three years.
Understanding Year C
Year C began on the First Sunday of Advent, December 1, 2024, and concludes on Christ the King Sunday, November 23, 2025. This year focuses primarily on the Gospel of Luke, emphasizing themes of mercy, compassion, and joy. Well-known parables, such as The Good Shepherd and The Prodigal Son, appear throughout the year, inviting us to reflect on God’s love and mercy in our own lives.
Luke’s Gospel also emphasizes joy. From the angel’s announcement to Zechariah and Mary to the disciples’ encounter on the road to Emmaus, we see the transformative joy of encountering Christ. Year C encourages us to live joyfully as disciples, following Christ’s example of mercy and love.
The readings often highlight Jesus’ ministry of healing, reminding us to be His hands and feet in the world. Passages such as the Beatitudes (Luke 6:20-23) call us to humility and trust in God, while the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) challenges us to care for the poor and uphold the dignity of every person.
May we, like Mary, proclaim in our lives:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46–47)
Looking Ahead to Year A
On Sunday, November 30, 2025, the Church will begin Liturgical Year A with the First Sunday of Advent. Year A focuses on the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting themes such as:
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Jesus as the New Moses and King of Israel, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.
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The Kingdom of Heaven, with parables that reveal what it means to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom.
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Discipleship, exploring how to live faithfully through teachings like the Sermon on the Mount.
As we enter this new liturgical year, let us open our hearts to Christ and reflect on the mysteries of salvation with renewed devotion.
Special Events at Sacred Heart School
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Novena to the Holy Spirit: Beginning November 13, 2025, in preparation for the NCYC in Indiana (starting November 20, 2025). We invite all to pray for our youth, that they may grow in God’s grace and goodness.
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XLT Adoration: On November 17, 2025, we will dedicate a full day to Eucharistic Adoration. Students will have a personal moment with the Lord to offer petitions, surrender their families, school, parish, and the world to God’s care.
Through the liturgical year and these special moments of prayer, we are reminded to live fully in Christ’s love, following His example of mercy, joy, and compassion.
— Fr. Martin Masiisa
