What Is Ordinary Time?

Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara wrote,

“Apart from those seasons having their own distinctive character, 33 or 34 weeks remain in the yearly cycle that do not celebrate a specific aspect of the mystery of Christ. Rather, especially on the Sundays, they are devoted to the mystery of Christ in all its aspects. This period is known as Ordinary Time.

Ordinary Time begins on Monday after the Sunday following January 6 and continues until Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, inclusive. It begins again on Monday after Pentecost and ends before evening prayer I of the First Sunday of Advent.”

“The Sundays and weeks of Ordinary Time … take us through the life of Christ. This is the time of conversion. This is living the life of Christ.”

— United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Discover More About Ordinary Time
Resources

Why is green the color for Ordinary Time?

Fr. William Saunders says,

“Green is used during the liturgical season called Ordinary Time. This season focuses on the three-year period of our Lord’s public ministry, and the Gospel passages, particularly on Sundays, recount His teachings, miracles, exorcisms, and other deeds during this time. All of these teachings and events engender great hope in the mystery of salvation.

We focus on the life He shared with mankind during His time on this earth, the life we share now with Him in the community of the Church and through His sacraments, and we look forward to sharing everlasting life with Him perfectly in Heaven. Green symbolizes this hope and life, just as the hint of green on trees in early Spring arouses the hope of new life.”

What is the significance of Ordinary Time?

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops says:

Ordinary Time is a time for growth and maturation, a time in which the mystery of Christ is called to penetrate ever more deeply into history until all things are finally caught up in Christ. The goal, toward which all of history is directed, is represented by the final Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

What if you can't make it to Holy Mass?

Join us for televised daily Mass from our EWTN chapel. The readings of the day are available for you to follow along with the Mass. They are also the perfect way to find time in your day for spiritual reflection. Listen, watch, or read from the comfort of your home.

Watch Mass Today’s Readings
Mass Guide

Draw Closer to God With Your Free EWTN Mass Guide

Experience the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in a deeper way with your free EWTN Mass Guide booklet. With texts in both English and Latin, it serves as the perfect companion to use while following along with the daily Mass on EWTN.

Request your free Mass Guide now and appreciate the beauty of the Mass!

"*" indicates required fields

I agree to receive other communications from EWTN.*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Help Others on their Faith Journey

EWTN’s faith-filled resources are free and created to guide your spiritual journey. Your gift can help proclaim the Gospel and unite more pilgrims on their path to hope through Jesus Christ.

EWTN Faith Journey

As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.