One of the intentions of the Second Vatican Council was to reform the Divine Office. Furthermore, in addition to its use by clergy and religious, it was hoped that the Liturgy of the Hours would become a prayer of the laity and that parishes would make it a part of their communal prayer.

Our current parish schedule for the communal recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours consists of Morning Prayer on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:10 am at St. Mary’s Church. We conclude Sacred Heart Choir rehearsal with Night Prayer at 8:30 pm on Tuesdays at St. Mary’s Church. Then, on the first Sundays, we pray Evening Prayer at 3:00 pm with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Exposition.

A permanent Deacon who moved to our parish last year has led our Morning Prayer.  In addition, a Missionary Benedictine sister who joined the Sacred Heart Choir this year, leads our Night Prayer.

We have had a stable group of twenty people at Morning Prayer since we began in early October. I hope to find a way to expand our communal prayer schedule, so that more people can benefit from this.