A Festival Pop Quiz? (Because who doesn't love a blog post that includes a test?)

 (A version of this article appeared in "The Messenger" from St. Mark's.)

It’s time for a pop quiz! So, grab a pen and piece of paper OR open a Word document. The quiz only has one question and here it is:

Before you get started, remember that Principal Festivals and Observances are those events on our liturgical calendar that take precedence over any other observance – like St. Mark’s Day. (There’s a clue, St. Mark’s Day is NOT a principal festival.)

Now. . .go!

 

Need a little help? Maybe you'll find some answers in the display of banners made by the St. Mark's Liturgical Arts Committee. (Warning: Not every banner represents a principal festival.)

Banners made the committe (except the two large ones on top)

How did you do? (Scroll to the end of this article for the answers.)

Reformation Sunday 2017

There are a few observances you might have thought were principal festivals that are not - days like Reformation Sunday and All Saints Sunday – which both fall under the category of Lesser Festivals.

 Lesser festivals celebrate the life of Jesus and recall those whose lives point us to him – these are sometimes called “Saint” days.

 

St. Mark’s Day, being April 25^th, always happens during the Easter season. Since all Sundays OF Easter are principal festivals, they cannot be replaced by the readings and prayers for St. Mark’s Day. (Incidentally, we say Sundays OF Easter because Sundays are included in the 50 days of Easter – as opposed to Sundays IN Lent, which are not counted as part of the 40 days of Lent.)

Even on principal festivals, we can acknowledge lesser festivals and commemorations during the Sunday liturgy. We can include a note in the bulletin or incorporate them into the Intercessory Prayers. They might also be worked into sermons or musical selections.

Bach Vespers - Not a Principal Festival. . .YET

There are a few lesser festivals that replace a Sunday liturgy when their date falls on Sunday. They are Name of Jesus (January 1st), Presentation of Our Lord (February 2^nd), Reformation Day (October 31^st), and All Saints Day (November 1^st).

All Saints Sunday 2012 at St. Mark's

Centuries of worship have brought us to this rich calendar of Sundays, seasons, festivals, observances, commemorations, and occasions. The calendar reminds us that the God of history has acted and will continue to act, especially through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Here are the answers!

Sources: Leaders Guide to Evangelical Lutheran Worship
Sundays and Seasons