14 occasions · 4 traditions EST. 2026 · UPDATED MAY

What Christians do,
and why.

A practical guide to every significant Christian moment. What happens. What it means. What to give. What to say.

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The fourteen occasions

FOUR CATEGORIES
Initiation
1ST CENTURY AD Naming Christian naming, saints' names, name day traditions. 1ST CENTURY AD Baptism Infant and believer’s baptism across traditions. 13TH CENTURY AD First Communion Catholic; Lutheran and Anglican parallels. 4TH CENTURY AD Confirmation Sacramental and Protestant variants. 17TH CENTURY AD Child Dedication The Evangelical infant ceremony.
Life passages
1ST CENTURY AD Wedding Catholic, Evangelical, Mainline, Orthodox. 1ST CENTURY AD Parenting Becoming a parent and the long arc of Christian family life. MODERN Anniversary Wedding anniversaries with faith framing. MODERN Birthday Birthdays and Orthodox name days. 1ST CENTURY AD Funeral Christian death, burial, and remembrance.
Seasonal
4TH CENTURY AD Christmas From Advent through Epiphany. 1ST CENTURY AD Easter Holy Week, the Vigil, and Pascha.
Vocation & cultural
1ST CENTURY AD Ordination Deacons, priests, pastors, bishops. 20TH CENTURY AD Quinceañera The US Hispanic Catholic 15th birthday Mass.
Editorial standard

A baptism in a Baptist church is not a baptism in a Catholic church. A funeral Mass is not a celebration of life service. This site explains what is happening, what it means, and what is expected of you, without telling you what to believe.

Upcoming in the Christian year
Pentecost May 24 · 2026
Trinity Sunday May 31 · 2026
Assumption of Mary Aug 15 · 2026
All Saints' Day Nov 1 · 2026
First Sunday of Advent Nov 29 · 2026
View the full calendar
Most-read this season
What to give for a First Communion FIRST COMMUNION
Catholic Confirmation gifts CONFIRMATION
What to wear to a Christian wedding WEDDING
Baptism godparent guide BAPTISM
Writing a eulogy FUNERAL