Lookup Liturgical Dates by Lectionary Number

The Roman Catholic Lectionary is a book of Scripture readings used for Mass. It organizes Bible passages so that the Church hears important parts of Scripture throughout the year. The readings in the lectionary follow a set order, helping Catholics grow in faith and understand God’s word.
Each reading has a lectionary number. The lectionary number helps keep track of which readings are used on different days. Sundays, weekdays, and feast days all have assigned readings with a lectionary number. This system makes it easy to find and prepare for the readings at Mass.
Looking up liturgical dates by lectionary number is helpful for many reasons. The lectionary allows priests and lectors to prepare for upcoming readings. The lectionary also helps Catholics follow along with the Church’s reading plan. It also makes it easy to find when a specific set of readings will be used again.
Using the lectionary number to find readings, homilies, reflections, and other resources helps Catholics stay connected to the liturgical year. It encourages people to read Scripture regularly and reflect on its meaning. The lectionary number is a simple but useful tool for deepening faith and understanding the Church’s teachings.
- Lectionary Numbers for Sundays in the Advent and Christmas Seasons
- Lectionary Numbers for Sundays During Lent and the Triduum
- Lectionary Numbers for Sundays during the Easter Season
- Lectionary Numbers for Sundays for Ordinary Time (2nd through 10th)
- Lectionary Numbers for Sundays for Ordinary Time (11th through 20th)
- Lectionary Numbers for Sundays for Ordinary Time (21st through 30th)
- Lectionary Numbers for Sundays and Solemnities for Ordinary Time (31st through Christ the King)
- Lectionary Numbers for Solemnities of the Lord During Ordinary Time
- Lectionary Numbers for Advent Weekdays
- Lectionary Numbers for Christmas Weekdays
- Lectionary Numbers for Lenten Weekdays and Holy Week
- Lectionary Numbers for Easter Weekdays
- Lectionary Numbers for Weekdays in Ordinary Time (Weeks 1 to 10)
- Lectionary Numbers for Weekdays in Ordinary Time (Weeks 11 to 20)
- Lectionary Numbers for Weekdays in Ordinary Time (Weeks 21 to 30)
- Lectionary Numbers for Weekdays in Ordinary Time (Weeks 31 to 34)
- Lectionary Numbers for Saints
How the Lectionary is Organized
The Roman Catholic Lectionary is divided into different sections. There are readings for Sundays, weekdays, and special feasts. Each Mass has assigned Scripture readings with a lectionary number. This helps the Church follow a clear schedule for reading the Bible.
The Sunday readings follow a three-year cycle. Year A focuses on the Gospel of Matthew. Year B focuses on Mark. Year C focuses on Luke. The Gospel of John is read during special seasons. Each Sunday has a lectionary number that connects to a specific set of readings.
Weekday readings in the lectionary follow a two-year cycle. Year I is used in odd-numbered years, and Year II is used in even-numbered years. These readings also have a lectionary number. This system allows Catholics to hear more of the Bible over time.
There are also special seasons in the Church year. Ordinary Time focuses on Jesus’ teachings. Advent prepares for Christmas. Lent is a time of prayer and fasting before Easter. Easter celebrates the Resurrection. Each season has its own readings, marked by a lectionary number. This keeps the focus on the life of Christ and the message of the Gospel.
Finding Liturgical Dates with the Lectionary Number
The lectionary number lookup helps find the readings for a specific liturgical date. Each Mass has a lectionary number that connects to a set of Bible readings. By using the lectionary number, Catholics can find when those readings will be used next. This is helpful for priests, lectors, and anyone who wants to follow the Church’s readings.
To use the lookup, find the lectionary number for a Mass. Then, check a table or website that lists upcoming dates for that number. This shows when that set of readings will be read again. It works for Sundays, weekdays, and special feasts. This makes it easy to plan ahead or study a reading before Mass.
For example, if someone wants to find when the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year A will be used next, they can look up its lectionary number (28) to find a link for that date. The linked page will show the exact date of that Sunday in the current or future years. It will also show the readings for that date. This helps Catholics prepare for Mass, reflect on Scripture, and stay connected to the liturgical year.
Using the lectionary number lookup is a simple way to follow the Church’s reading schedule. It helps Catholics stay engaged with the Bible and the rhythm of the liturgical seasons. By checking the lectionary number, anyone can find and reflect on the readings for any Mass.
Why Daily Readings Matter
The Church assigns specific readings to each day to help Catholics grow in faith. The readings follow a plan that covers important parts of the Bible. Each Mass has a lectionary number that connects to a set of readings. This system makes sure that Scripture is shared in an orderly way.
The readings match the liturgical season. During Advent, the readings focus on waiting for Christ. During Lent, they call for repentance. During Easter, they celebrate the Resurrection. Each season has a lectionary number that helps guide the themes of the readings. This keeps the focus on God’s plan throughout the year.
Following daily readings is a good way to stay connected to the Church. The lectionary number helps Catholics know what readings are used each day. By reading the passages at home, Catholics can reflect on Scripture before going to Mass. This makes the experience of Mass more meaningful.
The lectionary number is a simple tool that helps Catholics follow the rhythm of the Church year. Reading Scripture daily brings people closer to God. It helps Catholics understand the faith and live by God’s word. The Church provides the readings, but it is up to each person to take part and grow in faith.
Lectionary Numbers for Sundays in the Advent and Christmas Seasons
Lectionary Numbers for Sundays During Lent and the Triduum
Lectionary Numbers for Sundays during the Easter Season
Lectionary Numbers for Sundays for Ordinary Time (2nd through 10th)
Lectionary Numbers for Sundays for Ordinary Time (11th through 20th)
Lectionary Numbers for Sundays for Ordinary Time (21st through 30th)
Lectionary Numbers for Sundays and Solemnities for Ordinary Time (31st through Christ the King)
Lectionary Numbers for Solemnities of the Lord During Ordinary Time
This table starts with 164 because lectionary entry 163 is Alleluia Verses for Sundays in Ordinary Time.
Lectionary Number | Link to Liturgical Date with Readings, Resources, Homilies, etc. |
---|---|
164 | The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Year A |
165 | The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Year B |
166 | The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Year C |
167 | Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ Year A |
168 | Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ Year B |
169 | Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ Year C |
170 | Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Year A |
171 | Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Year B |
172 | Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Year C |
Lectionary Numbers for Advent Weekdays
This table starts with 175 because lectionary entries 173 and 174 are Common Texts for Sung Responsorial Psalms. Also note that lectionary entry 192 is Alleluia Verses for Advent weekdays before Dec 17 and lectionary entry 201 is Alleluia Verses for Dec 17-24.
Also note that the lectionary readings specific to a date (ie an Advent weekday on December 17) take precedence over the lectionary readings specific to the 3rd week of Advent.
Lectionary Numbers for Christmas Weekdays
The first few weekdays in the Christmas season are dedicated to specific feast days in the lectionary:
- December 26: Saint Stephen, Protomartyr
- December 27: Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
- December 28: Holy Innocents
Also note that lectionary entry 211 is for Alleluia verses for weekdays of the Christmas Season before Epiphany and lectionary entry 218 is for the Alleluia verses for weekdays after Epiphany.
Lectionary Number | Link to Liturgical Date with Readings, Resources, Homilies, etc. |
---|---|
202 | 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas All weekdays on December 29 |
203 | 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas All weekdays on December 30 Superseded by the Feast of the Holy Family when Christmas falls on a Sunday |
204 | 7th Day in the Octave of Christmas All weekdays on December 31 |
205 | Christmas Weekday on January 2 Only before Epiphany |
206 | Christmas Weekday on January 3 Only before Epiphany |
207 | Christmas Weekday on January 4 Only before Epiphany |
208 | Christmas Weekday on January 5 Only before Epiphany |
209 | Christmas Weekday on January 6 Only before Epiphany |
210 | Christmas Weekday on January 7 Only before Epiphany |
212 | Monday after Epiphany Before Baptism of our Lord |
213 | Tuesday after Epiphany Before Baptism of our Lord |
214 | Wednesday after Epiphany Before Baptism of our Lord |
215 | Thursday after Epiphany Before Baptism of our Lord |
216 | Friday after Epiphany Before Baptism of our Lord |
217 | Saturday after Epiphany Before Baptism of our Lord |
Lectionary Numbers for Lenten Weekdays and Holy Week
Note that lectionary entry 223 is for verses before the Gospel for weekdays of Lent.
Lectionary Numbers for Easter Weekdays
Note that lectionary entry 303 is for Alleluia verses before Ascension and lectionary entry 304 is for Alleluia verses after Ascension during the Easter season.
Lectionary Numbers for Weekdays in Ordinary Time (Weeks 1 to 10)
Lectionary Numbers for Weekdays in Ordinary Time (Weeks 11 to 20)
Lectionary Numbers for Weekdays in Ordinary Time (Weeks 21 to 30)
Lectionary Numbers for Weekdays in Ordinary Time (Weeks 31 to 34)
Lectionary Numbers for Saints
This table starts with 510 because lectionary entry 509 is Alleluia Verses for weekdays in Ordinary Time. The dates below indicate how they are celebrated on the United States calendar.
Resources

The Bible
A Lectionary and a Bible both contain Scripture, but they serve different purposes. The Bible is the complete collection of sacred books, including the Old and New Testaments. It can be read in any order for study, prayer, or personal reflection. The Lectionary, however, is a selection of Bible readings arranged for Mass. It follows a set schedule, so Catholics hear key passages throughout the liturgical year.
The Lectionary organizes Scripture in a way that connects to the Church’s seasons and teachings. It selects readings that highlight important themes, such as repentance during Lent or joy during Easter. While the Bible includes every passage, the Lectionary presents them in a structured way for worship. Both are essential for growing in faith. The Bible provides the full word of God, and the Lectionary guides Catholics in hearing and understanding it through the rhythm of the Church year.
Questions and Answers about the Lectionary and Lectionary Numbers
What is a lectionary number?
A lectionary number is a number assigned to a set of Scripture readings for Mass. It helps organize the readings for Sundays, weekdays, and feast days.
Why does the Church use a lectionary number?
The Church uses a lectionary number to keep track of the readings for each Mass. This makes it easy to follow the liturgical calendar and find specific readings.
How is the Lectionary divided?
The Lectionary is divided into Sundays, weekdays, and special feasts. Each section has its own readings, and each reading has a lectionary number.
What are the Sunday reading cycles?
Sunday readings follow a three-year cycle. Year A focuses on Matthew, Year B on Mark, and Year C on Luke. The Gospel of John is used in special seasons.
What are the weekday reading cycles?
Weekday readings follow a two-year cycle. Year I is used in odd-numbered years, and Year II is used in even-numbered years. The Gospel is the same for both years, but the first reading and the psalm are different for Year I and Year II.
How can I look up a liturgical date using a lectionary number?
You can use the table above that lists the lectionary numbers. Find the lectionary number for a reading, and check when it will be used next.
Why do the readings change with the liturgical seasons?
Each season has a theme. Advent readings focus on preparing for Christ. Lent readings call for repentance. Easter readings celebrate the Resurrection. The readings match the Church’s journey through the year.
How can I follow along with the daily readings?
You can read the daily readings at home using a Lectionary or find them on our readings by date page. Checking the lectionary number helps you stay on track with the Church’s reading plan.
Do feast days have their own lectionary numbers?
Yes, special feasts and solemnities have unique readings with their own lectionary number. These readings highlight the meaning of the feast.
Why should I read the readings before Mass?
Reading ahead helps you understand the Scripture better. It prepares you to listen at Mass and reflect on the message.
Bringing Scripture into Daily Life
The lectionary number system helps Catholics stay connected to Scripture throughout the liturgical year. It provides a clear plan for reading the Bible at Mass. The lectionary also helps Catholics prepare for upcoming readings and reflect on God’s word.
Each season of the Church has its own special readings. These lectionary readings guide the faithful through the life of Christ and the message of salvation. By following the lectionary number, Catholics can grow in faith and understanding.
Using the lectionary number lookup is a simple way to stay engaged with the liturgical calendar. Whether for Sunday Mass, weekday readings, or feast days, the lectionary keeps Catholics in tune with the rhythm of the Church. The more we read and reflect on Scripture, the deeper our faith becomes.
Your Turn
If you want to grow in faith, start by following the lectionary readings. Read the daily passages at home, or look up the next Sunday’s readings before Mass. Use the lectionary number to stay on track with the Church’s Scripture plan.
Have you used the lectionary number system before? Do you read the daily or Sunday readings at home? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another to stay rooted in Scripture.
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