The ordinary, in Catholic and Lutheran liturgy, refers to the part of the Mass or of the canonical hours that is reasonably constant without regard to the date on which the service is performed. It is contrasted with 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 common to an entire category of saints such as apostles or martyrs.
The ordinary of both the Mass and the canonical hours does, however, admit minor variations following the seasons (such as the omission of "Alleluia" in Lent and its multiple additions 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.
