Liturgy
Liturgy is the Church's official, public worship of God — most centrally the Mass, but also the sacraments and the Liturgy of the Hours — as distinct from private or personal devotions.
Public and Communal
Unlike a personal prayer said alone, liturgy is the prayer of the whole Church offered together, following approved texts and rituals rather than being improvised.
The Liturgical Year
The Church's liturgy unfolds through a yearly cycle of seasons — Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time — each shaping the readings, prayers, and mood of worship.
Related Saints
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mass the only liturgy?
The Mass is the central liturgy, but the term also covers the other sacraments and the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church's daily cycle of prayer.
Why does liturgy follow a fixed structure?
Fixed structure ensures the Church prays with one voice across the world and through time, rather than worship depending on any one person's preferences.