Everyone knows when St. Patrick's Day is. But in the world of Catholic trivia, March 17 is often something else.

St. Patrick served as archbishop of Armagh in the fifth century. He brought Christianity to Ireland, where it continues to flourish. Today, Patrick has advanced far beyond most other saints, into the world of secular calendars, parades, greeting cards, table decorations, and parties. Not even the twelve apostles can boast such a festive following.

However, because of our quirky church calendar, many March 17's come and go without a mention of Patrick at Mass.

Our church ranks saints' days by their importance. The principal days are called "solemnities". Christmas and Easter are the two most important. Next are the celebrations called "feasts". Here's where we find, among others, the apostles. Then there are "memorials", the saints of general interest on the universal calendar--like Francis of Assisi, Therese the Little Flower, and some of our newest saints like Maximilian Kolbe and Andrew Dung-Lac and companions. They show the multi-culturalism of the communion of saints.

Then there are "optional memorials". These saints have limited or local interest, and your community may opt in or opt out of celebrating them. These include Nereus and Achilleus, Maria Goretti, Turibius de Mogrovejo, and--believe it or not--Patrick. Consequently, a parish could skip over Patrick every year and celebrate something like "Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent." When March 17 falls on a Sunday, Patrick drops out for a year. Sundays take precedence over optional memorials. However, the principal patron of a diocese, parish, or country takes the status of a solemnity. When March 17 falls on a Sunday in Lent, locales under Patrick's patronage may celebrate his day on March 18.

The liturgical color for Patrick is white, as for other saintly bishops who were spared a martyr's death. We reserve green vestments for ordinary time.

(This bulletin insert originally appeared in MODERN LITURGY, copyright (c) 1996, Resource Publications, Inc. It may not be reproduced without permission. Send permission requests to info@rpinet.com)

(Paul Turner, pastor of St. John Regis Parish in Kansas City, MO, holds a doctorate in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo University.)