More on Festivals and Sacraments

Mormons have their own calendar.

2. The Orthodox Calendar (New)

Fixed Feasts

3. The Orthodox Calendar (Old)

The Armenian Orthodox church uses a calendar offset one day earlier than the one above. It would seem that at some point earlier this century, they converted from the old calendar to the Gregorian, but instead of taking dates like those of the Western churches (e.g. Old Christmas = 25 December Julian calendar but new Christmas = 25 December Gregorian calendar), they preferred to convert the Julian dates then obtaining into Gregorian dates. Thus we get Old Christmas = 25 December Julian calendar but new Christmas = 6 January Gregorian calendar. It is not known exactly when this change took place, except that it obviously occurred while the difference between the two calendars was still 12 days. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also celebrated on 22 August (Gregorian), not 23 August as it would be if they were following the Julian calendar. Some people, however, argue that Christmas is on the 6th of January because this coincides with Christ's Baptism as well as his birth.

Moveable feasts (The Triodion, both Old and New Orthodox Calendars)

The Coptic Church follows the Orthodox Old Calendar for major feasts but has a most unusual calendar of its own by which Saints' days are fixed..

The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church

The Seven Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church can be drawn together in three categories: the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), Sacraments of Healing (Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick), and Sacraments of Vocation (Marriage and Holy Orders).

1. Sacraments of Initiation-- For adults, it is normative for these sacraments to be celebrated all at once at the Easter Vigil. The preparation and celebration of these sacraments is known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
2. Baptism: A preparation session is normally required if this is a couple's first child or if it has been more than three years since the last child was baptized. For older children and adults, there is a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
3. Confirmation: Confirmation is celebrated once a year, usually during the Easter Season. Formation is open to all youth who are 16 years of age or older and are juniors in high school as well as any unconfirmed Catholic. Preparation for celebrating this sacrament goes from Fall until Spring. Those Catholics who are beyond high school are prepared for this sacrament through the Adult Confirmation program.
4. Eucharist (Communion): This sacrament is usually celebrated every weekend by the community as well as on most weekdays. Children who are at least in the second grade spend the year from September until Easter preparing to receive the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time in communion with the rest of the church during the Easter Season.
5. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: This rite, known as RCIA is a process whereby adults who are either not baptized or who have been baptized into another Christian faith tradition are initiated into the Roman Catholic tradition. After a period of Inquiry, a person may decide to formally enter into the process and begins the period of Catechumenate, during which they become familiar with the Catholic Christian tradition. After this period of preparation, they enter into the period of Purification and Enlightenment, a six-week period of intense preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night. After being received into the community, there is a fourth period of Mystagogy, during which the newly-received member experiences the joy of being part of the faith community.
6. Sacraments of Healing
   Reconciliation: The sacrament of reconciliation is usually celebrated on a weekend morning during the year. In addition, a communal service is celebrated during both the Advent and the Lenten Seasons. The sacrament can also be celebrated individually by appointment. Twice a year there is preparation for children to understand and celebrate the sacrament. Anointing of the Sick: The sacrament of anointing is celebrated communally.
   
   The sacrament may be celebrated at any time for someone who is seriously ill or entering the hospital for surgery. Usually, one needs only to call one of the parish priests to make arrangements to celebrate this sacrament.
7. Sacraments of Vocation
   
   Marriage: The sacrament of marriage is celebrated throughout the year. In order to properly prepare for this sacrament, a couple must contact one of the parish priests some months prior to the anticipated date.
   
   Holy Orders: The sacrament of holy orders is usually celebrated once a year.