Solemn Vespers for the Dead

Sunday, November 14th in Church

Join us for our month sung vespers service as we remember all the faithful departed. Music will be provided by our our Schola Cantorum Benedicti. A reception will follow the service for all guests.

What is Vespers?

Vespers is part of The Liturgy of the hours, which is also known as The Divine Office. The Liturgy of the Hours is a prayer that takes place over the course of a day. The various parts of the day are marked by different prayers, each one known as an “hour”. Vespers is the penultimate hour and is celebrated at or near sunset.

The service begins with a Lucenarium or Service of Light. This tradition has roots in the early church as the faithful would light their lamps as the sun began to set. The service continues with the praying of the Psalms. The Psalms are sung or recited by all gathered, followed be extended periods of silent prayer. Much like the readings at Mass, the psalmody changes with each day. The high point of Vespers is the Magnificat, which happens near the end of the service and is sung or recited in its entirety.

The texts of the service are taken from The Office for the Dead. These sacred texts have been set to new choral music, composed by music director Jeremy Kiolbassa.

The service will be broadcast on the parish live-stream page.

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