The start of Advent brings a new color to the altar and clergy vestments. Traditionally, liturgical colors are important symbols indicating different holy days and events in the Episcopal calendar. Definitions provided by the Episcopal Church. Below are the colors used at St. Matthew’s for holy days, feast days and ordinary days.
The liturgical colors are also used in the liturgical calendar where each week is represented by the same color used on the altar and clergy vestments. This calendar on the left is often used in Godly Play, the children’s Sunday school program.
White
For Easter and other ‘feasts’ or festival days, as well as marriages and funerals, symbolizing the color of Jesus’ burial garments.
Fourth of July 2019 
Easter 2019 
Thanksgiving 2020
Red
For Pentecost, the Feast of St. Matthew, and Holy Week, symbolizing the Holy Spirit.
Feast of St. Matthew 2019 
Christmas 2019 
Pentecost 2019
Blue
For Advent, representing Mary’s robes.
Advent 2018 
Advent 2019 
Advent 2020
Purple
For Lent, representing fasting, faith, and patience.
Lent 2019 
Lent 2020
Green
Used during the ‘Ordinary Time’ after Pentecost between late spring and summer, symbolizing our growth in Christ, nurtured by the Church and the Gospels.
January 2019 
November 2020
