12 Surprising Facts About the 2025 St. John’s Calendar

12 Surprising Facts About the 2025 St. John’s Calendar

12 Surprising Facts About the 2025 St. John’s Calendar

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St. John’s Calendar 2025 is now available! This essential tool for anyone living or working in St. John’s provides a comprehensive overview of the year ahead, including important dates, holidays, and events. The calendar is also packed with helpful information, such as contact numbers for local services, a list of public holidays, and a map of the city. With its convenient size and durable construction, the St. John’s Calendar 2025 is a must-have for anyone who wants to stay organized and informed in the coming year.

In addition to the standard calendar information, the St. John’s Calendar 2025 also includes a number of special features. These features include:
– A listing of all the major festivals and events taking place in St. John’s throughout the year.
– A guide to the city’s public transit system.
– A directory of local businesses and services.
– A map of the city centre.

Calendar of Ecclesiastical Events for 2025

1. St. John’s Calendar

The liturgical calendar of the Church of the Province of West Africa (Nigeria) is known as St. John’s Calendar. It is a comprehensive resource that guides the worship and liturgical practices of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria. The calendar provides a framework for the observance of significant Christian feast days, seasons, and events throughout the year. It includes:

• Dates for major Christian festivals such as Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost.

• Commemorations of saints and martyrs.

• Readings and prayers for each day of the year.

• Seasonal colors and vestments.

• Liturgical norms and rubrics.

• Guidelines for the administration of sacraments and other liturgical rites.

2. Purpose of the Calendar

The primary purpose of the St. John’s Calendar is to ensure uniformity and coherence in liturgical practices within the Church of the Province of West Africa (Nigeria). It serves as a guide for clergy, laity, and worship planners, ensuring that the liturgical life of the church is celebrated in a consistent and meaningful manner. The calendar also provides a sense of continuity and tradition, connecting the present-day church with its historical roots and the broader Christian tradition.

3. Ensuring Adherence

The St. John’s Calendar is an essential resource for liturgical planning and practice within the Church of the Province of West Africa (Nigeria). Its widespread use ensures that the liturgical life of the church is celebrated in a standardized and unified manner. The calendar is regularly updated and revised to reflect changes in the liturgical norms of the Anglican Communion and to incorporate new insights and developments in liturgical scholarship.

Table of Major Ecclesiastical Events in 2025:

Date Event
January 1 New Year’s Day
January 6 Epiphany
March 9 Ash Wednesday
March 23 Palm Sunday
March 27 Maundy Thursday
March 28 Good Friday
March 29 Holy Saturday
March 30 Easter Sunday
May 11 Ascension Day
May 25 Pentecost
December 25 Christmas

Liturgical Observances

Throughout the year, the liturgical calendar of St. John’s marks significant events in the Christian faith. These observances guide the rhythm of worship and provide opportunities for reflection and spiritual growth.

Solemnities

Solemnities are the highest-ranking liturgical celebrations, commemorating pivotal moments in the life of Christ or the Church. They are marked with special liturgies, readings, and often include processions or other symbolic rituals.

Date Solemnity
January 1 Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God
March 25 Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
April 9 Solemnity of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Good Friday)
April 12 Solemnity of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Easter Sunday)
May 28 Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ
June 11 Solemnity of Pentecost
June 29 Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
August 15 Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
November 1 Solemnity of All Saints
December 8 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
December 25 Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Christmas)

Important Feast Days and Commemorations

The St. John’s Calendar for 2025 commemorates numerous significant Christian events and saints. These occasions often involve special liturgies, spiritual reflections, and opportunities for community gatherings within the Anglican tradition. Here are some key feast days and commemorations to note:

Major Feast Days

**Christmas Day (December 25)**: The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, observed with joy and festivities.

**Epiphany (January 6)**: Marks the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus, symbolized by the giving of gifts.

**Maundy Thursday (March 27)**: Commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples and the institution of the Eucharist.

**Good Friday (March 28)**: Remembers the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

**Easter Day (March 30)**: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the central event of the Christian faith.

**Ascension Day (May 8)**: Marks the ascension of Jesus into heaven.

**Pentecost (May 25)**: Celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and the birth of the Church.

Other Notable Feast Days

**Feast of the Transfiguration (February 2)**: Commemorates the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor.

**Feast of the Annunciation (March 25)**: Marks the announcement by the angel Gabriel to Mary that she will bear Jesus.

**Trinity Sunday (May 11)**: Celebrates the mystery of the Holy Trinity.

**Feast of All Saints (November 1)**: Honors all Christian saints, known and unknown.

Commemorations of Saints

Date Saint
January 27 St. John Chrysostom
March 18 St. Patrick
May 24 St. Bede the Venerable
June 24 Nativity of St. John the Baptist
August 28 St. Augustine of Hippo
October 4 St. Francis of Assisi
November 30 St. Andrew the Apostle
December 21 St. Thomas the Apostle
December 26 St. Stephen, the First Martyr
December 27 St. John the Evangelist

Special Days

The Anglican Church in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, observes several special days throughout the year. These days are not Holy Days of Obligation, but they are typically marked with special services or commemorations.

Epiphany (January 6)

Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. It is a time to reflect on the manifestation of Christ to the world.

Ash Wednesday (February 26)

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a time of preparation for Easter. The imposition of ashes on the forehead serves as a reminder of our mortality and need for repentance.

Mothering Sunday (March 30)

Mothering Sunday is a special day to honor mothers and maternal figures. It is typically celebrated with church services, family gatherings, and gift-giving.

Ascension Day (May 29)

Ascension Day commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is a time to celebrate his victory over death and his reign as Lord.

Holy Days of Obligation

In addition to special days, the Anglican Church in St. John’s also observes several Holy Days of Obligation. These days are considered particularly important and are marked with special services and observances.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time to rejoice in the incarnation and to reflect on the love of God for humanity.

Good Friday (April 18)

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day of mourning and remembrance, and it is typically observed with special services and fasting.

Easter Day (April 20)

Easter Day celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the most important day in the Christian calendar and is marked with joy and celebration.

Pentecost (June 8)

Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. It is a time to celebrate the birth of the Church and to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

A Guide for Prayer and Spiritual Reflection

Daily Meditations: The Rhythm of Prayer

Immerse yourself in daily meditations that lead you through the Liturgical Year. Reflect on the Scriptures, prayers, and insightful commentary.

Weekly Reflections: Growth in Grace

Engage in weekly reflections that delve deeper into the themes of each liturgical season, fostering spiritual growth and transformation.

Monthly Intercessions: Prayers for the World

Join with fellow believers in monthly intercessions. Pray for the Church, the world, and specific needs, embodying the compassion and outreach of the Christian faith.

The “Great Feasts”: Tapestry of the Sacred

Celebrate the major feasts and solemnities of the Church, experiencing the richness of the liturgical calendar and drawing closer to the heart of the Gospel.

The Ordinary Time

Navigate through the ordinary time with weekly reflections that uncover the hidden treasures and insights found within the seemingly mundane.

Week Theme
1-4 The Kingdom of God
5-8 The Beatitudes
9-12 The Virtues
13-16 The Sacraments
17-20 The Last Things

Saints’ Feast Days and Special Patronages

Important Feast Days

In the English province of the Archdiocese of St. John’s, many notable feast days are celebrated each year. The calendar provides for the celebration of historical and religious events as well as solemnities, feasts, and memorials that commemorate saints and blesseds.

St. John the Baptist

June 24th is the feast of St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the Archdiocese of St. John’s and the namesake of the city of St. John’s. He is a prominent figure in the Gospels, known for baptizing Jesus Christ and proclaiming the coming of the Messiah.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

August 15th marks the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a solemnity that celebrates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken up into heaven at the end of her earthly life.

All Saints’ Day

November 1st is All Saints’ Day, a feast that honors all the saints of the Church, known and unknown. It is a day of remembrance and celebration for those who have lived lives of faith and holiness.

Christmas

December 25th sees the joyful celebration of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. A central feast in the Christian calendar, Christmas is marked by special liturgies, family gatherings, and traditions.

St. Patrick

March 17th is the feast of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. While not a patron saint of the Archdiocese of St. John’s, his feast is widely celebrated throughout the province, particularly by those of Irish descent.

Special Patronages

In addition to the major feast days, specific saints and blesseds are recognized as patrons of different groups, churches, and organizations within the Archdiocese of St. John’s:

Saint Patronage
St. Joseph Workers
St. Anthony Lost Objects
St. Jude Despair
St. Francis of Assisi Animals
St. Cecilia Music
St. John Bosco Youth

Commemorations of Important Church Figures

The Feast of the Epiphany

January 6th marks the arrival of the Magi, who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus. The Feast of the Epiphany is a celebration of this event, which symbolizes the revelation of God’s plan to all nations.

The Feast of the Transfiguration

February 2nd commemorates the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor. This event was a manifestation of Jesus’ divine glory before his chosen disciples, Peter, James, and John.

The Feast of the Ascension

May 18th celebrates the ascension of Jesus into heaven, marking the end of his earthly ministry and the beginning of his reign as Lord and Savior.

The Feast of Pentecost

June 8th is the day of Pentecost, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. This event marked the birth of the Christian Church.

The Feast of the Assumption

August 15th is the Feast of the Assumption, which celebrates the bodily assumption of Mary into heaven. This event is a testament to Mary’s purity and her exalted status among the saints.

The Feast of Saint John the Evangelist

December 27th is the Feast of Saint John the Evangelist, one of Jesus’ closest disciples. John was the author of the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation.

The Seven Solemnities of the Church

The Church recognizes seven Solemnities, which are the most important feasts in the liturgical calendar.

Solemnity Date
The Annunciation March 25th
Easter Sunday Varies
The Ascension 40 days after Easter
Pentecost 50 days after Easter
The Most Holy Trinity Sunday after Pentecost
The Body and Blood of Christ Thursday after Trinity Sunday
Christ the King Last Sunday of the Liturgical Year

Ecclesiastical Season Dates and Colors

The St. John’s Calendar 2025 follows the traditional liturgical calendar of the Anglican Church of Canada. Ecclesiastical seasons are periods of time during which specific colors, vestments, and readings are used in worship services to emphasize particular themes or events in the Christian year.

Advent (November 30 – December 24)

Advent is a season of preparation for the birth of Jesus. The color purple is used to symbolize penitence and waiting.

Christmas (December 25)

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The color white is used to symbolize joy and purity.

Epiphany (January 6)

Epiphany is the celebration of the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles. The color green is used to symbolize new life and growth.

Lent (February 22 – April 9)

Lent is a season of penitence and fasting in preparation for Easter. The color purple is used to symbolize repentance.

Holy Week (April 10 – 16)

Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter. The colors red (Maundy Thursday), black (Good Friday), and white (Easter Sunday) are used to symbolize the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Easter (April 16)

Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. The color white is used to symbolize joy, victory, and new life.

Pentecost (May 31)

Pentecost is the celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. The color red is used to symbolize the fire of the Holy Spirit.

Ordinary Time (January 7 – February 21, April 17 – May 30, June 11 – November 29)

Ordinary Time is a period of ordinary, everyday living. The color green is used to symbolize growth and renewal. During Year A, the readings focus on the Gospel of Matthew; during Year B, the readings focus on the Gospel of Mark; and during Year C, the readings focus on the Gospel of Luke.

Liturgical Fasting and Abstinence Periods

Lent

Lent is a 40-day period of fasting and penance that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday. During Lent, Catholics are required to abstain from meat on Fridays and fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

Advent

Advent is a four-week period of preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. During Advent, Catholics are encouraged to fast and abstain from meat on Fridays.

Ember Days

Ember Days are three days of fasting and prayer that occur four times a year: in March, June, September, and December.

Rogation Days

Rogation Days are three days of fasting and prayer that are held in May before the Ascension of Jesus Christ.

Quattuor Tempora

Quattuor Tempora are four periods of fasting and abstinence that occur in March, June, September, and December.

Fridays

Catholics are required to abstain from meat on all Fridays of the year, except for Fridays that fall on a solemnity.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday

Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

Table of Liturgical Fasting and Abstinence Days

Date Fasting Abstinence
Ash Wednesday Yes Yes
Good Friday Yes Yes
Fridays during Lent No Yes
Ember Days No Yes
Rogation Days No Yes
Quattuor Tempora No Yes
Fridays during Advent No Yes

Calendrical Changes and Updates

1. New Moon Date Change

The New Moon date for March has been revised from March 2 to March 3, 2025, to align with astronomical observations.

2. Adjustment of Holy Week and Easter

The dates for Holy Week and Easter have been adjusted slightly to ensure that Easter Sunday falls on April 20, 2025.

3. Summer Solstice

The Summer Solstice will occur on June 21, 2025, at 05:43 UTC.

4. Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice will occur on December 22, 2025, at 02:32 UTC.

5. New Liturgical Feasts

Two new liturgical feasts have been added to the calendar: The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus (January 1) and The Feast of the Queenship of Mary (August 22).

6. Patron Saint Updates

The patronage of Saint Philip Neri has been extended to all seminarians and those in formation for religious life.

7. Seasonal Liturgical Colors

The liturgical color for Advent has been revised from purple to blue.

8. Optional Memorials

Several optional memorials have been added to the calendar, including Saint Justin Martyr (June 1) and Saint Maximilian Kolbe (August 14).

9. Changes to the General Intercessions

The General Intercessions have been updated to reflect contemporary needs and concerns.

10. New Scripture Readings

New Scripture readings have been introduced for various liturgical seasons and feasts. The table below provides a summary of these changes:

Season/Feast New Scripture Reading
Advent Isaiah 9:1-7
Christmas Luke 2:1-20
Easter Acts 10:34-43
Pentecost Acts 19:1-21
Feast of the Assumption Revelation 11:19-12:1

St. John’s Calendar 2025

The St. John’s Calendar for 2025 is a comprehensive guide to the liturgical year, providing information on the feasts, saints’ days, and other special observances of the Anglican Church of Canada. The calendar includes daily readings from the Bible, as well as prayers and other devotional material. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to follow the liturgical year and deepen their understanding of the Christian faith.

The St. John’s Calendar is named after the Anglican parish of St. John the Evangelist in Toronto, Ontario. The parish has been using the calendar since 1925, and it has since become a popular resource for Anglicans across Canada and beyond. The calendar is published annually by the Anglican Book Centre in Toronto.

People Also Ask About St. John’s Calendar 2025

When is the St. John’s Calendar 2025 available?

The St. John’s Calendar 2025 is typically available in late October or early November of 2024.

Where can I buy the St. John’s Calendar 2025?

You can purchase the St. John’s Calendar 2025 from the Anglican Book Centre in Toronto or from your local Anglican parish.

How much does the St. John’s Calendar 2025 cost?

The St. John’s Calendar 2025 typically costs around $20.