Discovering the Saints

Catholic Tradition

Mid-way through the history of Christianity the first major schism over practice and doctrine occurred which caused the breaking of the church in 1054 AD into the Catholic Church in the west and the Orthodox Church in the east. Both claim primacy and authenticity over the other and their traditions have developed separately but in parallel with each other. 500 years later came the Reformation which brought about the next schism between the Catholic church and Protestantism.

The Catholic Church is headed by the Pope who sits in the seat of the Apostle Peter, who tradition says was the first Pope over all the other Apostles. Under the Pope are tiers of Bishops who govern the church. The administrative practices, teachings, and policies of the Catholic Church have varied greatly over the centuries and the impact of the church on history is well recognized in the west. But the core liturgical traditions of the Catholic Church have largely stayed consistent over the millennia, even as doctrine and policy has changed.

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Lent

Lent is a season of 40 days of preparation for the pinnacle event of the Christian year, Holy Week and Easter.

Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross is an ancient Christian devotional of meditating on the last hours of Christ’s life.

Shrove Tuesday & Ash Wednesday

Before Lent begins there are two days of preparation for the season leading up to Easter. One day for celebration and the other for solemn reflection.

The Baptism of the Lord

Shortly after Epiphany the western church observes a day memorializing the beginning of Christ’s ministry at his baptism by John.

Epiphany / Theophany of Christ

Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season in the west and is the date that the Nativity is celebrated in the east. It is marked with celebrations and is an important holiday in both Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

The 12 Days of Christmas

Most are familiar with the song the “12 Days of Christmas” but don’t realize is an actual season of celebration that follows Christmas Day. Observing the 12 days of Christmas is an opportunity to slow down and extend your Christmas celebrations while keeping the focus on Christ.

The Holy Name – The Circumcision of our Lord

A memorial honoring the name of Christ, or alternately the day of his naming, has been observed by Christians at varying degrees over the centuries. For Latter-day Saints it can be an opportunity to emphasize the importance of covenants.

Holy Innocents

The Holy Innocents are the children murdered by Herod. Though a solemn subject matter this day is one for reflecting on and treasuring children and childhood.

Saint John – The Apostle and Evangelist

John the Apostle was the only one of the 12 to not die a martyr’s death. He wrote several books of the Bible and his life message was one of love.