The first eleven days of January fall during the liturgical season known as Christmas which is represented by the liturgical color white (and gold) — the color of light, a symbol of joy, purity and innocence (absolute or restored).
The remaining days of January are the beginning of liturgical season known as Tempus per Annum or Ordinary Time (formerly Time After Epiphany), which is represented by the liturgical color green. Green is a symbol of hope, as it is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. The liturgical color green is worn during prayer of Offices and Masses of Ordinary Time.
The month of January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, which is celebrated on January 3.
The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of January 2026
For prayer with the Word of God. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.
Focus of the Liturgy
The Gospels for the Sundays in January during the Christmas season follow the annual readings from St. Matthew, St. Luke, and St. John. The remaining Sunday Gospels in Ordinary Time are taken from St. Luke following the Lectionary for Cycle A and the Weekday readings follow Year II.
| January 4 The Epiphany of the Lord |
Matthew 2:1-12: We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage. |
| January 11 Feast of the Baptism of the Lord |
Matthew 3:13-17: After Jesus was baptized, he saw the Spirit of God coming upon him. |
| January 18th Second Sunday in Ordinary Time |
John 1:29-34: John the Baptist proclaims of Jesus, "Behold the Lamb of God". |
| January 25th Third Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Matthew 5:1-12a: Blessed are the poor in spirit. |
From: catholicculture.com
