Did you know?

St. James Cathedral in Seattle

Did you know that the anniversary day of the dedication of your parish church is supposed to be observed as a solemnity in your church?

And what is more, December 22, the Anniversary of the Dedication of St. James Cathedral is ranked as a feast day in the Archdiocese. This Saturday, the prayers for the anniversary of the dedication of a church are said, white vestments are worn and a Gloria is to be sung or said. (but just to clarify, not at tomorrow evening's Mass, which celebrates the 4th Sunday of Advent) 

Why does the liturgical calendar place such significance on these anniversaries? The answer lies in the fact that these celebrations are not so much about the building, but the Church made up of living stones, fashioned together into one body, with Christ Jesus as the head.

Be sure to make plans to observe the anniversary of the dedication of your church as well as the dedication of St. James Cathedral on December 22. These feasts help us recall what God is doing in and through the Church.

Taken from the Liturgy Line, Advent 2012 issue

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