The Lectionary for Mass
While the Lectionary contains Bible readings, the scriptures are selected and arranged according to the plan for each liturgical year. The church's liturgical year begins with the Advent season, followed by Christmas, Ordinary Time (part 1), Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time (part 2).
The liturgical years are identified as Cycle A, Cycle B and Cycle C. At some parishes, all three cycles are contained in one large lectionary book. At other churches, each cycle is published and bound into one lectionary for each year.
At each Sunday Mass, the first scripture reading is from the Old Testament. These readings are generally chosen because of their connection to the Gospel readings.
The second Mass reading is from New Testament letters, followed by the third scripture reading from the Gospel. One or more Readers are assigned for the first two readings. The Gospel is proclaimed by the Deacon (if present) or the Mass celebrant.
Cycle A, B, C information below is provided from the book "Breaking Open the Lectionary" Published by Paulist Press.
Cycle A - 2010/2011
The Gospel readings are from Matthew. New Testament letters are from the first four chapters of 1 Corinthians, and Romans, Philippians, and 1 Thessalonians.
- Advent
November 28 to December 23, 2010 - Christmas
December 24, 2010 to January 15, 2011 - Ordinary Time, Sundays 2 to 8
January 16 to March 8, 2011 - Lent
March 9 to April 17, 2011 - Easter
April 23 to June 12, 2011 - Ordinary Time, 9 to 17
June 19 to July 24, 2011 - Ordinary Time, 18 to 26
July 31 to September 25, 2011 - Ordinary Time, 27 to 'Christ the King'
October 2 to November 20, 2011
Content for Cycle A pages is derived from "Scripture Soundings" published by World Library Publications, Copyright (c) 2004. Each Sunday's page contains a list of scripture readings followed by a 'Comment' section and a short "Reflection' on the readings.
The graphics for each page is from "Clip Art for Sundays and Solemnities" by Julie Lonneman, published by Liturgy Training Publications, Copyright (c) 2003.
Cycle B - 2011/2012
The Gospel readings are from Mark. The New Testament letters are from 1 Corinthians chapters 6-11, 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, James and Hebrews chapters 1-10.
- Advent
- Christmas
- Ordinary Time, Sundays 2 to 7
- Lent
- Easter
- Ordinary Time, Sundays 9 to 16
- Ordinary Time, 17 to 26
- Ordinary Time, 27 to 'Christ the King'
Discussion questions and additional content for Cycle B pages are from "Scripture Soundings" published by World Library Publications, Copyright (c) 2002.
The graphics for each page is from "Clip Art for Sundays and Solemnities" by Julie Lonneman, published by Liturgy Training Publications, Copyright (c) 2003.
Cycle C - 2009/2010
The Gospel readings are from Luke. New Testament readings are from 1 Corinthians chapters 12-15, Galations, Colossians, Hebrews chapters 11-12, Philemon, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and 2 Thessalonians.
- Advent
- Christmas
- Ordinary Time, Sundays 2 to 8
- Lent
- Easter
- Ordinary Time, 9 to 16
- Ordinary Time, 17 to 26
- Ordinary Time, 27 to 'Christ the King'
Cycle C content is from "Sunday By Sunday" published by World Library Publications, Copyright (c) 2006. Each page contains a short two part reflection on the day's scriptures and full color artwork.
Gospel of John
The Gospel of John is heard during Lent and Easter, and on five Sundays of Year B because Mark's Gospel is short.
Updated: February 14, 2011