Evening Prayer (also called Vespers) is part of the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office. In the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church fulfills Jesus’ command to “pray always”. Through this prayer, the people of God sanctify the day by continual praise of God and prayers of intercession for the needs of the world. Evening Prayer gives thanks for the day that has just past and makes an evening sacrifice of praise to God.
Bishops, priests, deacons, and many men and women in consecrated life pray the Liturgy of the Hours each day. Their work is organized around this prayer, keeping God always at the center of their days. Lay people are encouraged to pray the Liturgy of the Hours as well, especially Morning and Evening Prayer.
This Advent, all are invited to prepare for the coming of the Lord by praying the Evening Prayer of the Church together on Sunday evenings, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the church. Vespers will be composed of a hymn, three psalms or Old Testament canticles, a brief scripture reading, the Magnificat (Mary’s song of praise from the Gospel of Luke), intercessions, and the Our Father. The psalms will be chanted by cantor and congregation. Additionally, confessions will also be available on the 1st, 2nd, & 4th Sundays of Advent after Vespers. On the Third Sunday of Advent, in addition to Vespers, there will be a special presentation of seasonal music by the St. Cecilia Choir.