Proclamation of the Date of Easter

Friday, January 6, 2012 / Sunday, January 8, 2012 (USA)

The Proclamation of the Date of Easter on Epiphany dates from a time when calendars were not readily available. It was necessary to make known the date of Easter in advance, since many celebrations of the liturgical year depend on its date. The number of Sundays that follow Epiphany, the date of Ash Wednesday, and the number of Sundays that follow Pentecost are all computed in relation to Easter.

Although calendars now give the date of Easter and the other feasts in the liturgical year for many years in advance, the Epiphany proclamation still has value. It is a reminder of the centrality of the resurrection of the Lord in the liturgical year and the importance of the great mysteries of faith which are celebrated each year.

On the solemnity of the Epiphany, after the homily or after the prayer after communion, the deacon, or in his absence, another minister announces the date of Easter and the other feasts of the liturgical year according to the following text.

Where Ascension is celebrated on Thursday:

Know, dear brethren, that, as we have rejoiced at the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, so by leave of God’s mercy we announce to you also the joy of his Resurrection, who is our Savior.

On the twenty-second day of February will fall Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of the fast of the most sacred Lenten season.

On the eighth day of April you will celebrate with joy Easter Day, the Paschal feast of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On the seventeenth day of May will be the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On the twenty-seventh day of May, the feast of Pentecost.

On the tenth day of June, the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

On the second day of December, the First Sunday of the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Where Ascension is celebrated on Sunday:

Know, dear brethren, that, as we have rejoiced at the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, so by leave of God’s mercy we announce to you also the joy of his Resurrection, who is our Savior.

On the twenty-second day of February will fall Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of the fast of the most sacred Lenten season.

On the eighth day of April you will celebrate with joy Easter Day, the Paschal feast of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On the twentieth day of May will be the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On the twenty-seventh day of May, the feast of Pentecost.

On the tenth day of June, the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

On the second day of December, the First Sunday of the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.