Feasts and Festivals

Worship Ministry • The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

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Over the centuries, the Christian Church has set aside specific days to remember persons and events that were significant in the proclamation of the Gospel.

The following feasts and festivals are according to the Lutheran Service Book calendar, and the LCMS Worship Library explains the distinction between “festivals” and “commemorations.”

Readings and other propers have been assigned for the feasts and festivals, and each day features an introit, collect, gradual, verse and hymn suggestions. These may be found in the LSB Altar Book and the Hymn Selection Guide.

Lectionary Summaries for feasts, festivals and occasions are prepared for worshipers to read in weekly Divine Service bulletins.

The hymn “By All Your Saints in Warfare” provides us with another opportunity to learn about those who have gone before us and pointed to Christ. A selection of those hymn verses and prayers for the day are available.

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November

• 30 — St. Andrew, Apostle

December

• 21 — St. Thomas, Apostle
• 26 — St. Stephen, Martyr
• 27 — St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
• 28 — The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
• 31 — Eve of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus | New Year’s Eve

January

• 1 — Circumcision and Name of Jesus
• 18 — The Confession of St. Peter
• 24 — St. Timothy, Pastor and Confessor
• 25 — The Conversion of St. Paul
• 26 — St. Titus, Pastor and Confessor

February

• 2 — The Purification of Mary and the Presentation of Our Lord
• 24 — St. Matthias, Apostle

March

• 19 — St. Joseph, Guardian of Jesus
• 25 — The Annunciation of Our Lord

April

• 25 — St. Mark, Evangelist

May

• 1 — St. Philip and St. James, Apostles
• 31 — The Visitation (3-Year Lectionary)

June

• 11 — St. Barnabas, Apostle
• 24 — The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
• 29 — St. Peter and St. Paul, Apostles

July

• 2 — The Visitation (1-Year Lectionary)
• 22 — St. Mary Magdalene
• 25 — St. James the Elder, Apostle

August

• 15 — St. Mary, Mother of Our Lord
• 24 — St. Bartholomew, Apostle
• 29 — The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist

September

• 14 — Holy Cross Day
• 21 — St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
• 29 — St. Michael and All Angels

October

• 18 — St. Luke, Evangelist
• 23 — St. James of Jerusalem, Brother of Jesus and Martyr
• 28 — St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles
• 31 — Reformation Day

November

• 1 — All Saints’ Day

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Occasions

The Lutheran Service Book includes these occasions:

• Anniversary of a Congregation
• Mission Observance
• Christian Education
• Harvest Observance
• Day of Thanksgiving
• Day of Supplication and Prayer
• Day of National or Local Tragedy