The entire month of March is the liturgical season of Lent which is represented by the liturgical color violet or purple — a symbol of penance, mortification and the sorrow of a contrite heart. All saint days that are usually Memorials are shifted to Optional Memorials during the season of Lent.
The month of March is dedicated to St. Joseph.
The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of March 2026
For disarmament and peace:
Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.
Focus of the Liturgy
The Gospel readings for the Sundays in the Lenten season are from Cycle A. The weekday readings follow the annual Lenten readings.
| March 1st Second Sunday of Lent |
Cycle A, Matthew 17:1-9: Jesus' face shone like the sun. |
| March 8 Third Sunday of Lent |
Cycle A, John 9:1-41: The man who was blind went off and washed himself and came back able to see. |
| March 15 Fourth Sunday of Lent |
Cycle A, John 9:1-41: The man who was blind went off and washed himself and came back able to see. |
| March 22 Fifth Sunday of Lent |
Cycle A, John 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45: Jesus brings his friend Lazarus back to life. |
| March 29 Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion |
Cycle A, Entry: Matthew 21:1-11, Passion: Matthew 26:14--27:66: The reading of the Passion of Our Lord from St. Matthew's Gospel. |
The Solemnity of St. Joseph (March 19) is a special landmark this month in which we will celebrate the great honor bestowed upon the foster father of Jesus. The Solemnity of the Annunciation is celebrated on March 25. And if you are Irish (who isn't?), St. Patrick's feast is another cause for a joyful celebration.
Feasts for March 2026 1. SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT, Sunday
3. Katharine Drexel (USA), Opt. Mem.
4. Casimir of Poland, Opt. Mem.
7. Perpetua and Felicity, Opt. Mem.
8. THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT, Sunday
9. Frances of Rome, Opt. Mem.
15. FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT, Sunday
17. Patrick, Opt. Mem.
18. Cyril of Jerusalem, Opt. Mem.
19. JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF MARY, Solemnity
22. FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT, Sunday
23. Turibius of Mogrovejo, Opt. Mem.
25. ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD, Solemnity
29. PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD'S PASSION, Holy Week
30. Monday of Holy Week, Triduum
From: catholicculture.org
