Advent Candlelight

VESPERS

Click here to hear an audio recording of the 2011 Advent Vespers

(special thanks to podcaster Dan Smrokowski for recording it)

Monday, December 19, 2011

7:00 p.m. Service, 8:00 p.m. Dessert Potluck

St. Procopius Abbey

5601 College Road, Lisle, Illinois

(click here for details and map)

Vespers Presider and Homilist

Bishop Daniel Conlon

Bishop of the Diocese of Joliet

DETAILS

Join other young adults from around the Chicagoland area

for a special evening prayer service the week before Christmas. 

Bishop Daniel Conlon will be the presider and homilist for the night.

Afterwards, join the bishop and others for an enjoyable potluck

dessert social in the downstairs refectory at the Abbey.

Please bring a dessert dish to share.

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FAQ

WHAT ARE VESPERS?

This is an evening prayer service, held around or soon after sunset.

The term "vespers" is a Latin word which means "evening" and in the

Catholic context, is an occasion for prayer to God (as part of the ancient

practice of "Liturgy of the Hours," where prayer services are held at

various points throughout the day such as morning, midday, evening,

and nighttime, among others). 

WHAT TAKES PLACE AT VESPERS?

Traditionally, evening prayer includes hymns, readings from the

Scriptures (especially the Book of Psalms), petitions, and the recitation

of the Canticle of Mary (the "Magnificat") from the Gospel of Luke.

At this particular service, other elements will be added such as lighting

the Advent candles and a preached homily (given by Bishop Conlon).

ARE ALL THE PRAYERS IN LATIN?

No.  Most prayers at Vespers will be said in English,

though there may be some Latin in a few of the hymns.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?

We will pray the Vespers as a diocesan young adult community for

several reasons:  first, to connect young adults across parish lines

who share the Catholic faith; second, to have a time of prayer with

our diocesan shepherd, Bishop Daniel Conlin; and third, to give us

an opportunity to experience a beautiful Catholic tradition as we

prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ at Christmas.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR THE POTLUCK?

Please bring a dessert dish to share, preferably one of your own

favorites or something from your family, cultural, or ethnic tradition.

CAN I BRING NON-CATHOLICS?

Absolutely.  We welcome all who want some peace and tranquility

in the days before Christmas, whether they are Catholic or not,

and whether they are active in their faith or have been less-than-

regular in their worship participation.  So yes... bring a friend.

For more information about this service, please contact

Paul Jarzembowski at the Diocese of Joliet Young Adult

Ministry Office at 815-834-4047 or email him here.