Ordinary (liturgy)

The ordinary, in Catholic liturgies, refers to the part of the Mass or of the canonical hours[1] that is reasonably constant without regard to the date on which the service is performed. It is contrasted to the proper, which is that part of these liturgies that varies according to the date, either representing an observance within the liturgical year, or of a particular saint or significant event, or to the common which contains those parts that are common to an entire category of saints such as apostles or martyrs.

The ordinary of both the Eucharist and the canonical hours does, however, admit minor variations following the seasons (such as the omission of "Alleluia" in Lent and its addition in Eastertide). These two are the only liturgical celebrations in which a distinction is made between an ordinary and other parts. It is not made in the liturgy of the other sacraments or of blessings and other rites.

In connection with liturgy, the term "ordinary" may also refer to Ordinary Time – those parts of the liturgical year that are neither part of the Easter cycle of celebrations (Lent and Eastertide) nor of the Christmas cycle (Advent and Christmastide), periods that were once known as "season after Epiphany" and "season after Pentecost".[2]

Also, the term "ordinary liturgy" is used to refer to regular celebrations of Christian liturgy, excluding exceptional celebrations.[3]