Celebrating October in the Liturgical Year
- ashleytumlinwallac
- Sep 30
- 4 min read
Happy first day of October!
October invites us closer to the end of Ordinary Time, where the quiet, steady work of faithfulness continues to unfold. The days are cooler now, the light slants differently, and the world begins to settle into autumn’s hush. It’s a month for reflection and intentionality, for cozying up with prayer books, lighting candles at dusk, and finding Christ in the small, hidden places of our homes and hearts.
This is the season of the long obedience, where saints quietly walk beside us and the wisdom of the Church anchors us in grace. Whether you’re refreshing your family rhythms, leaning into Scripture, or simply trying to pray in the midst of a full life, know that this slow, sacred work matters.
I’m so grateful to journey through it with you.
Here’s an overview with helpful links:
October 4th - The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
October 18th - The Feast of St. Luke
October 23rd - The Feast of St. James of Jerusalem
October 28th - The Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude
October 31st - All Hallows Eve
Current Season: Ordinary Time
During the month of August, we continue our journey through the season of Ordinary Time. Here is a helpful article overviewing the season:
And check out my latest guidebook, The Liturgical Home: Ordinary Time. It gives you everything you need to know to celebrate the season of Ordinary Time in your home.
October 4th - The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
On the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we remember a man who embraced the Gospel with such wholehearted simplicity that his life became a living witness to Christ’s peace and humility. Known for his love of creation, his care for the poor, and his joyful poverty, Francis reminds us that true discipleship is not found in comfort or status, but in surrender. He laid down everything to follow Jesus, and in doing so, he found everything that mattered. This feast invites us to walk more gently upon the earth, to love more freely, and to see Christ in the faces of the lowly and the overlooked. As we honor St. Francis today, may we echo his prayer: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”
October 18th - The Feast of St. Luke
On the Feast of St. Luke, we give thanks for the beloved physician and evangelist whose Gospel reveals the tender mercy of Christ. Through Luke’s careful witness, we encounter a Savior who lifts up the lowly, welcomes the outsider, and brings healing to the broken in body and spirit. His writings remind us that God’s grace reaches into the quiet, aching places of human need with compassion and restoration. As we honor St. Luke today, we are invited to become bearers of that same mercy, to speak hope, to serve with love, and to reflect the healing presence of Christ in a world still longing for wholeness.
October 23rd - The Feast of St. James of Jerusalem
On the Feast of St. James of Jerusalem, we remember the steadfast leader of the early Church, called the brother of our Lord and honored as a pillar among the apostles. Known for his wisdom, humility, and devotion to prayer, James helped guide the fledgling Christian community with a deep reverence for both the Jewish roots of the faith and the expanding work of the Spirit among the Gentiles. His witness calls us to unity grounded in truth, to leadership marked by gentleness, and to a faith that is not merely spoken but lived. As we honor St. James today, may we, like him, become peacemakers in the Church and faithful doers of the Word.
October 31st - All Hallows Eve (Halloween)
On All Hallows’ Eve, the night before the Church lifts up all the saints in glory, we pause at the edge of mystery, acknowledging the thin space between heaven and earth, time and eternity. This evening carries ancient echoes: of light pressing back the darkness, of courage in the face of death, and of the triumph of Christ over every shadow. As flickering candles glow and little ones don costumes, we remember that this is not merely a night of superstition or fright, but a vigil of hope. We belong to a great cloud of witnesses, and even now, the saints surround us, cheering us on. In the face of fear, we stand in the victory of Christ, who has overcome the world.
Follow along as I share everything you’ll need to celebrate every special day this month, including the history, recipes, and traditions!
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