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Liturgical Colours / Vestments  .

Colours

The colour of the the fabric used on the altar and the vestments of the priest will change according to the season. These are the 'liturgical' colours .The purpose of using different colours for vestments is twofold: first, the colours highlight the particular liturgical season and the faithful's journey through these seasons. Second, the colours punctuate the liturgical season by highlighting a particular event .

Each of these colours has its own meaning. The Sacrifice of the Mass is offered for many purposes and in honour of many classes of saints; and these various purposes are all designated and symbolized by the colour of the vestments which the Church prescribes for each Mass.

The church ordinarily permits the use of four colours in the sacred sacrements - white, red, green and violet (or purple). Gold may be used as a substitute for white, red or green.

Green

This is used during the liturgical season called  Ordinary time. This season focuses on a three year period and the gospel passages, recount teachings, miracles, and other deeds during this time. The green symbolizes hope and life, just as the hint of green on trees in early spring arouses new hope of life.

St Clares Altar, Tabernacle and Lecturn decorated in green patterned fabric.

White or Gold

A colour symbolizing rejoicing and purity of soul, is worn during the liturgical seasons of Christmas and Easter . White vestments are also used for certain other feast days and can be used for Masses of Christian burial or Masses for the dead to signify the resurrection of the Lord, when he triumphed over sin and death, sorrow and darkness.

Red 

This  has a dual imagery : On the one hand, red symbolizes the shedding of blood and is therefore used on Palm Sunday (When Christ entered Jerusalem to prepare for his death ), good Friday, any other commemoration of the Passion. and the feasts of other martyrs who offered their lives for the faith. On the other hand, red also signifies the burning fire of God's love. for this reason, red vestments are worn at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and tongues of fire rested on their heads; for the celebration of the sacrament of confirmation; and for the votive Masses of the Holy Spirit.

Purple

This is used during Advent or Lent as a sign of penance, sacrifice and preparation. At the midpoint of Advent and Lent - pink (rose) vestments are traditionally worn as a sign of joy : Rejoicing at the midpoint because we are halfway through the preparation and anticipate the coming joy of Christmas or Easter

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