Liturgy of the Hours

What Is the Liturgy of the Hours?

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The Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, is the daily prayer of the Catholic Church. For centuries, Christians have paused at set moments of the day to pray psalms, hear Scripture, and lift intercessions to God. It is a way of sanctifying the day — turning the ordinary flow of morning, afternoon, and evening into moments of grace.  Each “hour” includes short, simple elements:

    •    Psalms that give voice to every human emotion
   •    A reading from Scripture or the Church’s tradition
   •    Canticles like the Benedictus and Magnificat
   •    Intercessions for the Church and the world
   •    A concluding prayer and blessing

 

While clergy and religious pray the Hours daily, the Church encourages all the faithful to participate. Today, with apps and online resources, it has become easier and more accessible than ever.

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Why Pray the Hours?​

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Because they shape the day around God. 

 

Because they offer peace in a noisy world. 

 

Because they connect us to the global Church and to one another. 

 

And because they allow Scripture to soak into our hearts — not in large chunks, but in small, prayerful moments.  The Hours are ancient, but their rhythm fits beautifully into modern life.

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How We Pray the Hours in Our Tri-Parish Community
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Simple Evening Prayer Every Week

Wednesdays • 7:00 PM • St. Joseph’s Church

 

Each week, we gather for a peaceful, accessible time of prayer. Simple Evening Prayer (Vespers) includes psalms, Scripture, silence, and song. It’s a gentle, beautiful entry point for anyone new to the Liturgy of the Hours.  This service ends with veneration of St. Carlo's Relic.

 

Solemn Evening Prayer Throughout the Year

 

On special feast days and parish celebrations, we offer Solemn Evening Prayer — a fuller, richer expression featuring chant, incense, music, and the full ceremonial structure of Vespers. These services highlight the beauty and depth of the Church’s prayer.

 

Dates are announced on the tri-parish calendar.

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Seasonal and Special Hours
 

Lent & Holy Week

During Lent, we incorporate the Hours as part of our penitential and reflective journey. Holy Week may include Tenebrae-style prayer, Morning Prayer, or special Vespers that accompany the Church’s most sacred days.

 

40 Hours of Devotion to St. Carlo Acutis

Our annual October 40 Hours celebration includes opportunities to pray Morning Prayer, Daytime Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Night Prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. It is a powerful time of extended worship, reflection, and community prayer.

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Advent & Christmas

Seasonal Evening Prayer, reflective nights of Advent prayer, and special Hours around Christmas help prepare our hearts to welcome Christ.

 

Parish Feast Days & Celebrations

At various times of the year, we offer additional Hours tied to solemnities, dedications, or parish events across OLG, IC, and SJ.
 

Pray With Us — or On the Go​

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The Liturgy of the Hours is flexible and accessible, whether you’re at church or at home.

 

You can join in through:

In-Person Services — especially our solemn celebrations offered throughout the year
Livestream — participate from home during our solemn Liturgy of the Hours services
Personal Prayer — anytime, using trusted digital resources:
   •    iBreviary (app & website)
   •    DivineOffice.org (text + audio)
   •    USCCB Liturgy of the Hours (official readings)

 

Even a few minutes of prayer can bring calm, structure, and grace into your day.​