This longest season of the liturgical year is a continuation of the ordinary "Time of the Church" that begins on the Sunday after Epiphany. It explores the mission of the church and uses the color of Green, symbolizing growth. During this season, the Lectionary offers two options for readings from Hebrew Scripture: the first, topical option selects readings thematically related to the Epistle or Gospel texts. The second, sequential option reads through an entire book of Hebrew Scripture in sequence.

The name “Pentecost” comes from the Greek for the number fifty. The season begins fifty days (including Sundays) after Easter. In 2011 Pentecost Sunday will be June 12th.