By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer
Young adults gathered with the Bishop of Allentown in Nesquehoning for “Vespers with the Bishop” Sept. 8, at the Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux.
The solemn vespers for young adults ages 18 to 35 with Bishop Alfred Schlert was sponsored by the Diocesan Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry (OYYAFM).
“Vespers with the Bishop” has previously taken place at Holy Ghost, Bethlehem and Holy Guardian Angels, Reading.
In his homily, the Bishop spoke first about the life of St. Therese of Lisieux. She did not do many things that the world would consider big accomplishments, but she focused on finding her “little way” to God through simplicity.
Bishop Schlert then spoke a bit about the depression and loneliness that plague many in the current young adult generation.
He discussed how young adults are searching for something and are looking in many of the wrong places, and that they seek to fulfill a spiritual longing that cannot be satisfied by the things of this world.
The Diocese offers many opportunities for young adults and is welcoming to all who may wish to reconnect with their religion. It provides opportunities for them to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, and to learn more about their Catholic faith through social, service and spiritual programs.
Vespers, also called Evening Prayer, is part of the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office. In the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church fulfills Jesus’ command to “pray always” (Luke 18:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:17). 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.
The Liturgy of the Hours includes several specified times of prayer. The most important times, called the “hinge hours,” are Morning Prayer (which takes place upon the rising), and Evening Prayer (which takes place as dusk begins to fall).
Bishops, priests, deacons and many men and women in consecrated life pray the Liturgy of the Hours each day. Their work is organized around this prayer, keeping God always at the center of their days.
Lay people are encouraged to pray the Liturgy of the Hours as well, especially Morning and Evening Prayer.
Evening Prayer gives thanks for the day just past and makes an evening sacrifice of praise to God (Psalms 141:1).
Father Mark Searles, director of the Diocesan Office for Vocations Promotion and chaplain of Allentown Central Catholic High School, was episcopal master of ceremonies. Confessions were available after the service with Father Allen Hoffa, pastor of St. Joseph, Summit Hill and rector of the shrine.
Music was provided by the St. Therese of Lisieux Choir, directed by Samuel Miranda.
Yamilette Ayala, parishioner of Our Lady Help of Christians, Allentown, served as lector. Those attending included Alexa Smith, director of OYYAFM.
A social followed at the Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux Social Hall for an opportunity to meet Bishop Schlert while enjoying light refreshments and a time of fellowship.
Promotional tables for regional ministries for young adults included: Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux Social Hall; Juventutem; Lehigh Valley Inklings; Anno Domini; St. Jane’s Young Adults of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton; Lehigh Valley Pro-Life Future; Logos and Lagers: A Bible Study for Young Adults in Berks County; OYYAFM; and the Diocesan Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization.
For more information about activities and ministries for young adults, click here or contact Alexa Smith, 610-289-8900 ext. 2021 or asmith@allentowndiocese.org.
