Ordinary Time is the Church season in which Catholics immerse themselves in the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ. It falls in two parts on the Liturgical calendar. The first begins after the Christmas season—specifically, the day after the Baptism of the Lord. The second part falls after the Lent-Easter season, the Monday after Pentecost. During Ordinary Time, we focus on the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ. We are settled back into our ordinary season until November. How can we make this season extra-ordinary?
Why is it called Ordinary Time? The word ordinary comes from the Latin ordo, which means “order.” Ordinary Time is the season in which Catholics celebrate in our regular order. The Gospel for the first Sunday in Ordinary Time (which is always the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time) is either John’s announcement of Jesus as the Lamb of God or the miraculous transformation of the water into wine at the Wedding at Cana. In both Gospels, we learn that Jesus is here among us. This is the guiding message of Ordinary Time: the transformative power of Jesus.
What are Catholics called to do during this season? Much of Ordinary Time falls in the summer months during which children aren’t in school or attending their parish faith formation programs. Encourage families to celebrate this season in the way the Church calls us to celebrate Advent and Lent—in prayer! In “What Catholics Should Know About Ordinary Time,” Donna Frasier shares the significance of this season and offers simple celebrations and practices you can incorporate into your daily prayer life.
Image credit: Marcel CROZET/CIRIC
