Why does the Catholic Church celebrate different seasons throughout the year?

Every year the Church unfolds the whole mystery of Christ, from his incarnation and birth until his Ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the expectation and blessed hope of his return. The Church does this through its cycle of the six seasons: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Triduum, Easter and Ordinary Time.

Why do Catholics have devotion to the saints?

The Catholic devotional practice of asking our departed brothers and sisters in Christ—the saints—for their intercession dates from the earliest days of Christianity, and is shared by Catholics, the Eastern Orthodox, other Eastern Christians, and some Anglican churches. As Scripture shows us, those already in heaven are aware of the prayers of those still on earth. We see this in Revelation 5:8 where John depicts the saints in heaven offering our prayers to God under the form of “golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” So if the saints in heaven are offering our prayers to God, then they must be aware of our prayers.

We believe in both honouring and celebrating the communion of saints in heaven. Since they are united to Christ, their presence in heaven enables the whole Church on earth to follow in their holiness. Just as Christian communion and fellowship among our fellow pilgrims brings us closer to Christ, so our communion with the saints joins us to Christ both now and forever. We therefore, can and should ask them to intercede for us and for the world.

Do not weep, for I shall be more useful to you after my death and I shall help you more effectively than during my life. (Saint Dominic, dying, to his brothers.)

I want to spend my heaven in doing good on earth. (Saint Therese of Lisieux)

Our Lady
Saint Joseph

Take a closer look at the life of St Joseph and at his key roles as the guardian of Jesus and Mary and the patron saint of workers.

Saint Mary Magdalene

Discover more about St Mary Magdalene, the 'Apostle to the Apostles'.

Saint Jerome

St Jerome (Born: c.347 AD, Died: 420 AD) is a key figure in our campaign, he is renowned and praised for his many Commentaries on Scriptures and for his masterpiece, the translation of the whole Bible into the everyday Latin.

Lent and Eastertide

Here's our great selection of free Lent and Eastertide resources for you to use at home, in your schools or churches.

Ascension

Discover the great feast of the Ascension of Jesus, and explore this extraordinary event through Scripture and art.

Pentecost
All Saints and All Souls

Find out why we celebrate these feast days and use our free downloadable Healing Tree resource as you pray for loved ones who have died.

Advent

Here you will find inspiration and resources for the season of Advent. When we await and prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas and also for his Second Coming.

Christmas