Readings: Numbers 21:4b-9; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17
The community Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Abbot Joseph presiding and preaching. It is a non-work day for the community and we follow the Sunday schedule. Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament follows Vespers (5:30 PM).
On this day we inaugurate our celebration of the Minor Hours or Terce, Sext and None, instead of a single Midday Prayer; the community has had an indult to celebrate just one of the Minor Hours because of our intense work obligations. As a community, under Fr. Joseph’s guidance, it is clear that work should support, not determine, the monastic horarium, our schedule. On weekdays, the Office of Terce will be celebrated at 10:00 AM at our work places; Sext (12:20 PM) and None (2:00 PM) will be celebrated in church. When we follow the Sunday schedule, Terce will be celebrated in church at 9:45 AM; Sext at 12:20 PM.
Charles Stevenson says
It’s a delightful surprise to hear that the Minor Hours will be celebrated, as it’s always a joy to see the Office discussed, recognized, and practiced. Will you have downloads or DVDs of the abbey’s chant, or perhaps workshops, where we can learn to chant in your company, however far away we may be?
Special thanks to Father Jim Sorra of Baltimore, who introduced his pastoral council to this practice several years ago! It has become a deep way that we can organize our lives around ever since – a sense that we are praying not only along with others around the world, but with uncounted others centuries into the past…