Celebrating a Year with Christ
A Liturgical Calendar Created by Alisa Davis
What is a Liturgical Calendar?
A liturgical calendar is used to track celebratory seasons and feasts, which started with the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. This year, Alisa has been working on designing a calendar for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, to help you and your family explore major Christian holidays, important dates in Church history, as well as biblical feasts and festivals celebrated by our Jewish brothers and sisters. Many members of our community have been working to integrate biblical traditions like Passover, or the Feast of Trumpets into their annual practices and family traditions, because they bring a special spirit into their home. You will notice that many of these events tend to overlap!
January
1 – The Holy Name
The Feast of The Holy Name is a holiday celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church, as well as several Anglican churches. This day is to celebrate the Jesus’s naming and circumcision ceremony. This is a great opportunity to ponder the names of Jesus.
2 – President Thomas S. Monson
Thomas S. Monson was the 16th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find his bio here. To review his teachings and General Conference messages, click here.
5 – Last Day of Christmas
6 – Epiphany
Epiphany is the celebration of the Wise Men arriving to meet the baby Jesus. Common celebration ideas include: A Three Kings Cake (a French Tradition), read Matthew 2:1-15, singing songs like ‘What Child is This,’ or ‘We Three Kings’, telling stories of the Magi, and having a special dinner.
8 – Baptism of the Lord
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a celebration of Jesus’s baptism. To celebrate, you can read Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:1-10, Luke 3:15-22, John 1: 25-34, talk about the ordinance of baptism or reminisce baptism days in your family.
15 – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day honoring the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his work to obtain civil rights for African-Americans.
18 – President David O. McKay
David O. McKay was the 9th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find his bio here. Some of his teachings are available in the ‘Teachings of the Prophet’ Manuel.
19 – Revelation for the Baptism of the Dead
Day to recognize the blessing of offering baptism to our deceased ancestors. Celebration ideas include: reading Doctrine and Covenants 127:5-12, and Doctrine and Covenants 128, or performing baptisms for family names.
23 – Conversion of St. Paul
Day to celebrate the conversion of the apostle Paul. Celebratory ideas include: reading Acts 8 & 22.
27 – Lydia, Dorcas, and Phoebe
This day honors early Christian women found in Acts, who interacted with the Apostle Paul. To celebrate, you can read about these women in Acts 16: 14-40 (Lydia), Acts 9:36-43 (Dorcas), Romans 16:1-2 (Phoebe).
29 – President Gordon B. Hinckley
Gordon B. Hinckley was the 15th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find his bio here. To review some of his teachings and General Conference talks, click here.
February
2 – Presentation of the Lord
4- “Mormon Migration” from Nauvoo Begins
Saints begin to exit Nauvoo, Illinois, heading west. Ideas for honoring this day is to review pioneer stories as a family, or learn about pioneer ancestors.
14 – St. Valentine
St. Valentine was a 3rd century Roman saint, who was martyred for helping soldiers marry despite laws against it at the time. Valentine traditions originate with letters he sent while in prison, signed ‘Your Valentine.’
14 – Organization of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The anniversary of the reorganization of the Quorum of the Apostles in the latter-days.
16 – Revelation on the Degrees of Glory
Anniversary of the revelation for the degrees of glory, read Doctrine and Covenants 88.
18 – Martin Luther
Martin Luther was a German priest, and a leader during the Protestant Reformation. To learn more about his influence on Christianity, you can read his biography or his 95 Theses that started the Reformation.
24 – Martyrdom of Mattias
The apostle Mattias replaced Judas after Pentecost. There are several theories as to how Mattias was martyred, including stoning and crucifixion. Mattias was a faithful disciple with Jesus from the times of His baptism.
27 – Revelation of the Word of Wisdom
Anniversary of the revelation regarding to the Word of Wisdom. Some ideas to honor this day could include reading Doctrine and Covenants 89, or planning a healthy menu for this week.
March
3 – Wesley Brothers
5 – Ash Wednesday (Lent Begins)
13 – Purim (The Feast of Lots) begins
17 – St. Patrick
17 – Organization of the Relief Society
19 – St. Joseph
27 – Dedication of Kirkland Templ
April
3 – Restoration of Priesthood Keys from Elijah & Moses
4 – President George Albert Smith
6 – Organization of the Latter-day Church
12 – Passover begins
13 – Palm Sunday
14 – First Vision
17 – Maundy Thursday
18 – Good Friday
19 – Holy Saturday
20 – Easter
25 – Martyrdom of Mark the Evangelist
26 – Restoration of the Name of the Church
May
2 – Martyrdom of James and Phillip
8 – Julian of Norwich
8 – Revelation on the Law of Tithing
14 – President Heber J. Grant
15 – Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood
18 – Ascension Day
24 – Restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood
30 – Joan of Arc
30 – President Ezra Taft Benson
June
1 – Revelation Lifting Priesthood Ban
6 – Miracle of the Gulls
8 – Pentecost
11 – Martyrdom of Barnabas
18 – Translation of the Book of Mormon Completed
24 – Nativity of John the Baptist
27 – Martyrdom of Hyrum and Joseph Smith
29 – Martyrdom of Peter and Paul
July
August
September
October
November
December
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