Holy days

The Church year is divided up by various festivals and seasons. Some, like Christmas Day, happen on the same date every year, while others move around within a range of dates.

The main festival that moves is Easter, and since many other festivals have their dates fixed in relation to Easter, they move with it.

Please check the festival calendar for this year's dates.

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The Christian year

The Christian year is divided by festivals, some of which happen on the same date each year, while others move around the calendar, often so that they will happen on a Sunday.

All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day

All Saints' Day is a feast day celebrated on November 1. All Souls' Day, November 2, is a time to pray for departed souls.

The Feast of the Annunciation

The Christian celebration of the Annunciation on the 25th March marks the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary.

Ascension Day

Ascension Day celebrates Jesus's ascension to heaven after he was resurrected on Easter Day.

Feast of the Assumption

This Catholic feast day commemorates their belief that Mary, Jesus's mother, was taken up into heaven at the end of her life.

Candlemas

Candlemas commemorates the purification of Mary after giving birth, as well as the presentation of Jesus in the temple.

Christmas

Christmas is a holy day when Christians mark the birth of Jesus.

Corpus Christi

The festival of Corpus Christi celebrates the Eucharist as the body of Christ.

Easter

Easter is the most important Christian festival. It celebrates Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead, three days after he was executed.

Epiphany

The Epiphany is an ancient Christian feast day and is significant in a number of ways. It celebrates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist and also celebrates Jesus' birth.

Feast of Guardian Angels

The Feast of the Guardian Angels is a Catholic festival celebrated annually on 2 October.

Hallowe'en - All Hallows' Eve

This festival has its roots in Celtic and later Roman traditions.

Holy Week

Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter, beginning on Palm Sunday, including Maundy Thursday and ending on Holy Saturday.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

This Catholic feast day commemorates their belief that Mary was conceived without original sin.

Lent

Lent is the period of forty days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar, traditionally a time of fasting and reflection. It is preceded by Shrove Tuesday and begins with Ash Wednesday.

Mothering Sunday

Nowadays, Mothering Sunday is a day when children give presents, flowers, and home-made cards to their mothers.

Pentecost

Pentecost is the festival when Christians celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is regarded as the birthday of the Christian church.

Christmas

Christmas is a Christian holy day that marks the birth of Jesus, the son of God.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Eight days of prayer and events every January to promote interdenominational cooperation.