The readings from the Scriptures during Mass are planned over three years, called cycles A, B and C. Over these three years, most of the Bible is read. There are readings from the Old Testament, the New Testament and one of the Gospels, and very often a Psalm. The Gospel is read by either a priest or a deacon, and the other Scriptures are usually read by a volunteer called a lector. The church year is the basis of the readings and is planned around the celebration or remembrance of important events in the life of Jesus Christ, and divided into periods of time called seasons. These seasons are Advent (leading up to Christmas), Christmas, Lent (leading up to Easter), Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday), Easter and Ordinary Time. The year begins with Advent and ends on the Feast of Christ the King. St. Adrian Adrian (d. 710), who had been born in Africa, rose to the position of abbot of Nerida, near Naples, Italy. After the death of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Pope St. Vitalian wanted Adrian to become archbishop, but he said no. He said that St. Theodore should become archbishop, and Adrian agreed to be Theodore’s assistant and adviser. Theodore made Adrian abbot of the monastery of SS Peter and Paul in Canterbury, where he taught languages and set an example of a holy life. Adrian’s reputation as a man of God and as a teacher attracted some of the finest students from the European continent. We honor him on Jan. 9.
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