The Church Year Cycle

 

Sundays of the Church

The Sundays of the Church

Traditionally, all of the altar cloths and appointments of the altar and sanctuary are removed before the Divine Liturgy. Before the chanting of the Qadeeshat, the Priest sprinkles the altar and church walls with Holy Water, in imitation of the anointing of them with the Holy Myron (Chrism) by the Bishop on the day of the church’s dedication. Then the altar cloths and appointments are returned to their proper places in the sanctuary.

The Maronite Church begins its Liturgical Year with these SUNDAYS OF THE CHURCH because it is through the Church that we are born again and encounter Christ’s redemptive acts through the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments).

In a sense, these SUNDAYS OF THE CHURCH are both the beginning and the end of the Liturgical Year. They connect the beginnings of Christ’s saving acts, by His becoming Incarnate, to the culmination of Christ’s saving acts, that is, His Parousia (Second Coming).

It is through the Church that we receive the Incarnate Christ in the Eucharist (“We remember Your Death, we proclaim Your Resurrection”) and prepare to receive Him in His Glory (“We await Your Second Coming”). Therefore, it is most appropriate that we honor and celebrate the Church, the Bride of Christ, each year on these Sundays.

Note: If November 1st falls on a Monday or Tuesday, then there is only one SUNDAY OF THE CHURCH, entitled the Consecration of the Church. If November 1st falls on any other day, then an additional SUNDAY OF THE CHURCH is celebrated, entitled the Renewal of the Church.

Sunday Bulletins for the Holy Cross Season

 Follow this link for all 6 Sunday Gospel Bulletins to engage your children in the Liturgy. LINK

 

Honoring Mary In The Month Of May

Read Here for ideas to honor Mary.

This does not have to be complicated! You can have a May crowning at home or at your church. My post on having a May crowning with kidshas all the info you need to pull this off. 

Great Lent Guidelines for the Eparchy 2026

 

Great Lent 2026

Access a printable calendar for your class at LINK

 

Sunday Gospel Children's Bulletin for the Glorious Birth

 Sunday Gospel Children's Bulletin for the Glorious Birth

The season of the Glorious Birth will help our children follow the Announcement Sundays and journey with Jesus through the mysteries of our salvation.

At the request of several parents, we have designed a bulletin for each Sunday to assist catechists and parents to prepare the children to better understand the Gospel and how to live it.

Here is a link to the first week, this Sunday, the Announcement to Zechariah.

You may print it out in booklet form and give one to each of your children. It will help both parents and catechists to teach on the Sunday Gospel.