To celebrate their second anniversary and the beginning of their third year, SJV parishioners (including several Social Service Ministries volunteers) who take part in the Liturgy of the Hours had coffee and donuts in the Deacon’s office after Lauds on December 2nd, 2016.
“From ancient times the Church has had the custom of celebrating each day the liturgy of the hours. In this way the Church fulfills the Lord’s precept to pray without ceasing, at once offering its praise to God the Father and interceding for the salvation of the world.” Office of the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship
The Apostles observed the Jewish custom of praying at the third, sixth and ninth hour and at midnight. What distinguishes this from other liturgies is that it is prayer that consecrates to God the whole cycle of the day and the night. It is principally a prayer of praise and petition. All parishioners are invited to help continue in the tradition and experience the blessings of a more prayerful life.
Parishioners pray the Liturgy of the Hours every weekday morning and evening, Monday through Friday, at 6:30 a.m. (Lauds) and 6:30 p.m. (Vespers) in the temporary Adoration Chapel (room C-24). Everyone is welcome to attend. Each daily service has a designated leader, and the Liturgy of the Hours is on a four week cycle. There are ‘shorter prayer books’ available in the Adoration Chapel to participate with the prayer. This communal prayer normally takes less than 15 minutes.
To sign up to lead morning or evening prayer one day per month at 6:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m., you may contact the Parish Office at 281.497.4434, or just come and start participating! The books are marked for the prayers for each day. Or, one of the regular attendees can help you follow the prayers of the day. Within a week or so, you will have mastered how to pray the Official Prayer of the Church. The prayers may also be said privately.