The liturgy of the Episcopal Church proclaims the story of Jesus' love in a rhythm that follows the seasons of the year. This church calendar represents hundreds of years of tradition, dating to fifth century Jerusalem. For Episcopalians, the church calendar provides a framework for our spiritual life. Beginning with Advent, we are immersed in the stories of our faith – of Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection. Liturgical colors are used for vestments and altar cloth to mark the six seasons.

The season of Lent is the fourth season of the church year. Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and prepares us for Easter, offering us lots of time – upwards of two months – for self-examination.

Some people take on additional study during Lent, while others deny themselves something as an ongoing reminder of the season. That practice can be helpful, but Lent is not a time for punishment, just reflection. Many people turn inward during Lent, writing Lenten reflections that help them bridge their spiritual quest to loved ones, to their community, to their faith in God.

The color purple, or lavender, is the palette of the season, sometimes supplanted by plain, unbleached cloth.

Pentecost · Advent · Christmas
Epiphany · Lent · Easter
chart of the church calendar