Vespers, also called Evening Prayer, is part of the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office. 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.
Compline (from the word for “completion”), or Night Prayer, the last liturgy of prayers of the day, has been prayed in monasteries since the 6th century. At the Church of the Resurrection, the form of Compline prayed is the "Extraordinary Form", the form prayed prior to the Second Vatican Council. Under musical director David Stattelman, the Schola approaches chanting Compline from the medieval style and perspective, that is, a fluid style with strong emphasis on conveying the meaning of the text and often with the addition vocal drones. The result is an experience listeners describe as “ethereal” and “contemplative.”
This liturgy is a deep breath of quiet, a renewal in preparation for the week ahead, a way to still your heart and mind so God may find you and lift your soul to Himself. At Church of the Resurrection we believe that beauty, especially in reverent liturgy and beautiful music, draws the soul to Our Lord. In the words of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, "[Music] has the power to lead us back... to the Creator of all harmony, creating a resonance within us which is like being in tune with the beauty and truth of God, with the reality which no human knowledge or philosophy can ever express."
What to expect? The church will be darkened. There will be English and Latin print-outs at the South and East entrances you may use as a guide. You may follow along with the guide or simply listen. People of any faith are welcome to attend. We are happy to have you!
Extraordinary Form (Latin) Compline is sung at the Church of the Resurrection at 7:00pm on special occasions. See the bulletin or our Facebook page for announcements.
Vespers is prayed every Sunday at 6:30pm in the Church.
For more information about the music ministries, please contact our Director of Music, David Stattelman, using the link below.
For more information about Vespers & Compline, please contact our Director of Music, David Stattelman, using the link below. Check out the Resurrection Chant group on Facebook too!
