THE LITURGICAL YEAR 2012
Below is a listing of the major Solemnities and Feasts within the 2012 liturgical calendar for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Included in this list are pastoral notes which give information regarding holy days of obligation, the celebration of the Order of Christian Funerals on those days, and other pertinent information. The official liturgical calendar for the diocese is the Paulist Press Ordo: The Order of Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours and Celebration of the Eucharist 2012; the Sunday Lectionary cycle for 2012 is Year B (Mark), while the Weekday cycle is Year II (for even-numbered years). For more questions regarding the liturgical year, call the diocesan Office of Worship at 225-242-0120.
ADVENT TIME
The year of grace 2012 begins with the celebration of Evening Prayer I on the First Sunday of Advent
Sunday, November 27, 2011 – First Sunday of Advent
- This weekend begins the implementation of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal in every parish.
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, Funeral Masses are not permitted on this day. The Vigil Service for a funeral tomorrow may take place on Sunday evening.
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, weddings are not permitted on this day.
Sunday, December 4, 2011 - Second Sunday of Advent
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, Funeral Masses are not permitted on this day. The Vigil Service for a funeral tomorrow may take place on Sunday evening.
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, weddings are not permitted on this day.
Thursday, December 8, 2011 - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
- This Solemnity is a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Funeral Masses are not permitted on this day, since it is a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Ritual Masses are not permitted on Solemnities, meaning that a wedding which takes place must use the proper Mass texts and readings taken from the Solemnity.
Sunday, December 11, 2011 - Third Sunday of Advent
- Rose colored vestments may be worn on this day instead of violet.
Sunday, December 18, 2011 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
CHRISTMAS TIME
Saturday, Christmas Eve, December 24, 2011 – Christmas Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord
- Any of the sets of Christmas readings from the Lectionary may e chosen for the vigil Mass. However, it is recommended that the set for the Vigil Mass be used.
Sunday, Christmas Day, December 25, 2011 - Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord
- This Solemnity is a Holy Day of Obligation.
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, Funeral Masses are not permitted on this day. The Vigil Service for a funeral tomorrow may take place on Sunday evening.
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, weddings are not permitted on this day.
Friday, December 30, 2011 - Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Sunday, January 1, 2012 – The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord: Mary, the Mother of God
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, Funeral Masses are not permitted on this day. The Vigil Service for a funeral tomorrow may take place on Sunday evening.
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, weddings are not permitted on this day.
Sunday, January 8, 2012 - Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, Funeral Masses are not permitted on this day. The Vigil Service for a funeral tomorrow may take place on Sunday evening.
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, weddings are not permitted on this day.
Monday, January 9, 2012 – Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
ORDINARY TIME I
In the Province of New Orleans this year Ordinary Time begins on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, and continues through Tuesday, February 21, 2012.
Sunday, January 15, 2012 – Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, January 22, 2012 – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, January 29, 2012 – Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Thursday, February 2, 2012 – Presentation of the Lord
Sunday, February 5, 2012 – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, February 12, 2012 – Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, February 19, 2012 – Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
LENT TIME
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - Ash Wednesday
- Lent runs from Ash Wednesday until the beginning of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 5.
- Ashes may be distributed to the faithful both within and outside of Mass, at the conclusion of the Liturgy of the Word.
- Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Ash Wednesday is a penitential day of obligatory fast and abstinence.
- Funerals are permitted on Ash Wednesday and all Lenten weekdays, but Ritual Masses are not permitted, meaning that a funeral or a wedding which takes place must use the Mass texts and readings for Ash Wednesday.
- Ash Wednesday, Lenten Sundays, and the days of Holy Week take precedence over all Solemnities and Feasts. Only Solemnities and Feasts (such as St. Joseph on March 19) take precedence over other Lenten weekdays; other memorials of saints do not, so that all memorials of saints occurring during Lent are observed as optional.
- The word "Alleluia" is not sung or said from the beginning of Lent until the Easter Vigil, even on solemnities and feasts (such as St. Joseph on March 19). The Gospel reading is preceded by an acclamation which does not use the word "Alleluia."
- During Lent the Church should not be decorated with flowers and musical instruments should be played only to give necessary support to singing.
- Marriages can take place during Lent. If marriages do take place during Lent, couples are reminded that wedding plans should respect the special nature of this liturgical season. Wedding ceremonies are more simple and subdued when celebrated during Lent.
- Fridays of Lent are penitential days of obligatory abstinence.
Sunday, February 26, 2012 – First Sunday of Lent
- On this day, the Rite of Election for the Unbaptized and the Call to Continuing Conversion for the Baptized is celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Joseph at 2:00 pm and 5:30 pm.
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, Funeral Masses are not permitted on this day. The Vigil Service for a funeral tomorrow may take place on Sunday evening.
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, weddings are not permitted on this day.
Sunday, March 4, 2012 – Second Sunday of Lent
Sunday, March 11, 2011 – Third Sunday of Lent
- The Sunday readings and propers for the Third Sunday of Lent are used except in masses during which the first Scrutiny (in preparation for the baptism of adults) takes place, the text from the ritual mass for Christian Initiation, no. 2- the scrutinies, lectionary readings from Cycle A (no. 28); all or some of the intercessions from the RCIA (no.153); and the special inserts into Eucharistic Prayer I (the Roman Cannon) may be used.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 – Tenth Anniversary of the Installation of Bishop Robert W. Muench as the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge
Sunday, March 18, 2012 – Fourth Sunday of Lent
- The Sunday readings and propers for the Fourth Sunday of Lent are used except in the masses during which the second Scrutiny (in preparation for the baptism of adults) takes place, the text from the ritual mass for Christian Initiation, no. 2 - the scrutinies, lectionary readings from Cycle A (no. 31); all or some of the intercessions from the RCIA (no.167); and the special inserts into Eucharistic Prayer I (the Roman Cannon) may be used.
- If the second Scrutiny in preparation for the baptism of adults takes place today, the proper ritual prayers and intercessions [Christian Initiation #2] may be used. The Cycle A readings may be used.
- Rose colored vestments may be worn on this day instead of violet.
Monday, March 19, 2012 – Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin
- This is the feast of St. Joseph, the patron of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.
- This Solemnity is not a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Funeral Masses are permitted on this day.
- Ritual Masses are not permitted on Solemnities, meaning that a wedding which takes place must use the Marian Mass texts and readings.
Sunday, March 25, 2012 – Fifth Sunday of Lent
- The Sunday readings and propers for the Fifth Sunday of Lent are used except in masses during which the third Scrutiny (in preparation for the baptism of adults) takes place, the text from the ritual mass for Christian Initiation, no. 2- the scrutinies, lectionary readings from Cycle A (no. 34); all or some of the intercessions from the RCIA (no.174); and the special inserts into Eucharistic Prayer I (the Roman Cannon) may be used.
Monday, March 26, 2012 - Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
- This Solemnity is not a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Funeral Masses are permitted on this day, since it is not a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Ritual Masses are not permitted on Solemnities, meaning that a wedding which takes place must use the proper Mass texts and readings taken from the Solemnity.
HOLY WEEK
Sunday, April 1, 2012 – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
- Holy Week begins on Passion Sunday, April 1, 2012, and extends through Holy Saturday, April 7, 2012.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
- The Diocesan Chrism Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge on April 4, 2012, at 10:30 a.m.
THE SACRED PASCHAL TRIDUUM
April 5, 2012 – Thursday of Holy Week (Holy Thursday)
April 6, 2012 – Friday of Holy Week (Good Friday)
April 7, 2012 – Holy Saturday
April 8, 2011 - Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
- Lent ends and the Sacred Paschal Triduum commences on Holy Thursday, April 5, 2012, with the beginning of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The Triduum continues through all of Good Friday, April 6, 2012, and Holy Saturday, April 7, 2012, through Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012.
- Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday are not Holy Days of Obligation.
- Funeral Masses are not permitted during these days. A Funeral may be celebrated, in church or in another place, only within the Liturgy of the Word. Holy Communion is only distributed during Mass or during the solemn commemoration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, except when given to the dying as Viaticum.
- The sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick may be administered during the Paschal Triduum; the sacrament of Matrimony is not celebrated except in danger of death and without Mass.
- Good Friday is a penitential day of obligatory fast and abstinence. It is recommended that the paschal fast continue all day on Holy Saturday as well.
- The celebration of the great Vigil Service of Easter on Holy Saturday, April 7, 2012, must begin after darkness has fallen; it is not celebrated at the usual time of anticipated Sunday Mass on Saturday. In the Diocese of Baton Rouge, that time is 8:00 p.m.
EASTER TIME
The Octave of Easter begins with The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night on Saturday, April 7, 2012, and extends through the Second Sunday of Easter, April 15, 2012.
- During the Easter Octave, every day is a Solemnity, so that Ritual Masses are not permitted, meaning that weddings which take place during the Octave of Easter, including those on Friday and Saturday, April 13 and 14, 2012, must use the proper Mass texts and readings taken from the day.
- Funeral Masses are permitted during the Octave of Easter.
- During the entire Easter Season, the Paschal Candle is always lit for all liturgical and devotional services in the church.
Sunday, April 15, 2012 – Second Sunday of Easter
Sunday, April 22, 2012 – Third Sunday of Easter
Sunday, April 29, 2012 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Sunday, May 6, 2012 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
Sunday, May 13, 2012 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
Sunday, May 20, 2012 – Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
Saturday, May 26, 2012 – Vigil of Pentecost; Diocesan Ordination to the Priesthood at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge at 10:00 a.m.
Sunday, May 27, 2012 - Solemnity of Pentecost
- The Easter Season ends with Evening Prayer II of Pentecost.
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, Funeral Masses are not permitted on this day. The Vigil Service for a funeral tomorrow may take place on Sunday evening
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, weddings are not permitted on this day.
ORDINARY TIME II
- Ordinary Time resumes on Monday, May 28, 2012, with the eighth week.
Friday, June 1, 2012 - Day of Prayer and Fasting for Safety
- In the Province of New Orleans, the bishops have asked that a day be set aside each year at the beginning of the usual "Hurricane Season" to pray and fast, with the intention of begging God for His protection from the destruction which such storms can bring.
- This observance does not impede the celebration of the Obligatory memorial of St. Justin Martyr
Sunday, June 3, 2012 - Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, Funeral Masses are not permitted on this day. The Vigil Service for a funeral tomorrow may take place on Sunday evening.
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, weddings are not permitted on this day.
Sunday, June 10, 2012 - Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, Funeral Masses are not permitted on this day. The Vigil Service for a funeral tomorrow may take place on Sunday evening.
- As on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, weddings are not permitted on this day.
Friday, June 15, 2012 – Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
- This Solemnity is not a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Funeral Masses are permitted on this day, since it is not a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Other Ritual Masses are not permitted on Solemnities, meaning that a wedding which takes place must use the proper Mass texts and readings taken from the Solemnity.
Sunday, June 17, 2012 – 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, June 24, 2012 - Solemnity of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist
Friday, June 29, 2012 - Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul
- This Solemnity is not a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Funeral Masses are permitted on this day, since it is not a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Other Ritual Masses are not permitted on Solemnities, meaning that a wedding which takes place must use the proper Mass texts and readings taken from the Solemnity.
Sunday, July 1, 2012 – 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wednesday, July 4, 2012 - Independence Day
- While not a religious observance per se, Mass texts are found in the proper of saints for July 4th. Readings may be taken from the Masses for Public Needs 882-886, or for Peace and Justice (887-891). Lectionary Volume 4.
Sunday, July 8, 2012 – 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, July 15, 2012 – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, July 22, 2012 – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, July 29, 2012 – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, August 5, 2012 – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, August 12, 2012 – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- This Solemnity is a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Funeral Masses are not permitted on this day, since it is a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Other Ritual Masses are not permitted on Solemnities, meaning that a wedding which takes place must use the proper Mass texts and readings taken from the Solemnity.
Sunday, August 19, 2012 – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, August 26, 2012 – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, September 2, 2012 – 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, September 9, 2012 – 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Friday, September 14, 2012 – The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sunday, September 16, 2012 – 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, September 23, 2012 – 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, September 30, 2012 – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time; Anniversary of the Dedication of St. Joseph Cathedral (observed in the Cathedral only)
Friday, October 5, 2012 – Optional Memorial of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos
Sunday, October 7, 2012 – 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, October 14, 2012 – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, October 21, 2012 – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, October 28, 2012 – 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Thursday, November 1, 2012 - Solemnity of All Saints
- This Solemnity is a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Funeral Masses are not permitted on this day, since it is a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Other Ritual Masses are not permitted on Solemnities, meaning that a wedding which takes place must use the proper Mass texts and readings taken from the Solemnity.
Friday, November 2, 2012 - Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day)
- This is not a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Mass texts and readings are taken from the Common of the Dead; white, violet or black vestments are used.
- Funeral Masses are permitted on this day, since it is not a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Other Ritual Masses are not permitted on this day, meaning that a wedding which takes place must use the proper Mass texts and readings taken from the Common of the Dead.
Saturday, November 3, 2012 - Feast of St. Martin de Porres, Secondary Patron of the Province of New Orleans
Sunday, November 4, 2012 – 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Thursday, November 8, 2012 – 51st Anniversary of the Founding of the Diocese of Baton Rouge
Friday, November 9, 2012 – Dedication of the Lateran Cathedral Basilica in Rome
Sunday, November 11, 2012 – 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, November 18, 2012 – 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Thursday, November 22, 2011 - Thanksgiving Day
- While not a religious observance per se, mass texts are found on the fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day). Readings may be taken from In Thanksgiving to God (943-947) (Lectionary Volume 4).
Sunday, November 25, 2012 - Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King
ADVENT TIME
The 2012 liturgical year ends with the celebration of Evening Prayer I on the Vigil of the First Sunday of Advent (December 2, 2012), so that the 2013 liturgical year begins
Saturday, December 1, 2012
- The 2012 liturgical year B ends, and the 2013 liturgical year C begins with Evening Prayer I of the First Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 2, 2012 - First Sunday of Advent
- the Sunday Lectionary cycle for 2013 is Year C (Luke), while the Weekday cycle is Year I (for odd-numbered years)
Saturday, December 8, 2012 - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
- This Solemnity Is a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Funeral Masses are not permitted on this day, since it is a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Ritual Masses are not permitted on Solemnities, meaning that a wedding which takes place must use the proper Mass texts and readings taken from the Solemnity.
Sunday, December 9, 2012 - Second Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 16, 2012 – Third Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 23, 2012 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
Monday, December 24, 2012 - Christmas Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord
- A Mass beginning at 4:00 p.m. or later is celebrated as the Vigil Mass of Christmas, using Mass texts and readings taken from the Solemnity of the Nativity of Lord.
CHRISTMAS TIME
Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25, 2012 – Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord
- This Solemnity is a holy day of obligation.
- Funeral Masses are not permitted on this day, since it is a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Ritual Masses are not permitted on Solemnities, meaning that a wedding which takes place must use the proper Mass texts and readings taken from the Solemnity.
Sunday, December 30, 2012 - Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Tuesday, January 1, 2013 – Octave of the Nativity of the Lord: Mary the Holy Mother of God
- This Solemnity is a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Funeral Masses are not permitted on this day, since it is a Holy Day of Obligation.
- Ritual Masses are not permitted on Solemnities, meaning that a wedding which takes place must use the proper Mass texts and readings taken from the Solemnity.
Sunday, January 2, 2013 – Epiphany
Sunday, January 13, 2013 – Baptism of the Lord
Sunday, January 20, 2013 – Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, January 27, 2013 – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, February 2, 2013 – Presentation of the Lord
Sunday, February 3, 2013 – Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, February 10, 2013 – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wednesday, February 13, 2013 – Ash Wednesday
Sunday, February 17, 2013 – First Sunday of Lent
Sunday, February 24, 2013 – Second Sunday of Lent
Sunday, March 3, 2013 – Third Sunday of Lent
Sunday, March 10, 2013 – Fourth Sunday of Lent
Sunday, March 17, 2013 – Fifth Sunday of Lent
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 – Joseph, husband of Mary
Sunday, March 24, 2013 – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
Wednesday, March 27, 2013 – Diocesan Chrism Mass
Thursday, March 28, 2013 – Holy Thursday
Friday, March 29, 2013 – Good Friday
Saturday, March 30, 2013 – Holy Saturday
Sunday, March 31, 2013 – Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 7, 2013 – Second Sunday of Easter
Sunday, April 14, 2013 – Third Sunday of Easter
Sunday, April 21, 2013 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Sunday, April 28, 2013 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
Sunday, May 5, 2013 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
Sunday, May 12, 2013 – Ascension of Our Lord
Sunday, May 19, 2013 – Pentecost Sunday
Sunday, May 26, 2013 – Trinity Sunday
Sunday, June 2, 2013 – Body and Blood of Christ
Friday, June 7, 2013 – Sacred Heart
Sunday, June 9, 2013 – Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, June 16, 2013 – Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, June 23, 2013 – Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday, June 24, 2013 – Birth of John the Baptist
Saturday, June 29, 2013 – Peter and Paul Apostles
Sunday, June 30, 2013 – Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Thursday, July 4, 2013 – Independence Day
Sunday, July 7, 2013 – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, July 14, 2013 – Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, July 21, 2013 – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, July 28, 2013 – Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, August 4, 2013 – Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Tuesday, August 6, 2013 – Transfiguration
Sunday, August 11, 2013 – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Thursday, August 15, 2013 – Assumption
Sunday, August 18, 2013 – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, August 25, 2013 – Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, September 1, 2013 – Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday, September 2, 2013 – Labor Day
Sunday, September 8, 2013 – Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, September 14, 2013 – Triumph of the Cross
Sunday, September 15, 2013 – Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, September 22, 2013 – Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, September 29, 2013 – Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, October 8, 2013 – Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, October 13, 2013 – Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, October 20, 2013 – Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, October 27, 2013 – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Friday, November 1, 2013 – All Saints Day
Saturday, November 2, 2013 – All Souls Day
Sunday, November 3, 2013 – Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday, November 9, 2013 – Dedication of St. John Lateran
Sunday, November 10, 2013 – Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, November 17, 2013 – Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, November 24, 2013 – Christ the King
Thursday, November 28, 2013 - Thanksgiving







