On the second Sunday of Advent, OLSWA students, staff, and parishioners of Saint Hedwig’s gathered for OLSWA’s regular evening of Praise and Worship to sing hymns and songs of praise to God, to listen and meditate on His Word, and to adore the Lord in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. 

The night was organized by student Katerina Meckleborg and members of the OLSWA’s Spiritual Life Committee.  Thank you to the student music ministry team, which included musicians on keyboard, cello, and guitar, for their inspiring music.  OLSWA’s talented Kathleen Dunn sang one of her original praise compositions.  

The hymns included Our Blessed Mother’s Magnificat, and the Lectio Divina also reflected on Our Blessed Mother’s visit to Elizabeth(Luke 1:39-56).  After the reflections on the Word, Deacon Probert presided over Exposition of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar followed by a time of silent Adoration and Benediction.  At the request of the President of the Right to Life Club, those gathered prayed a Rosary for the protection of an unborn child known to be at risk of abortion over the next few days.  The evening ended with a short time of fellowship at a simple, but delicious reception provided by Mrs. Cassidy.

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What is “Praise and Worship”? What is its purpose?

Two or three times a semester, a student team is organized to provide music ministry to support students, faculty and staff of OLSWA and others who wish to gather for an hour or so in the parish church to pray and worship the Lord together. This includes Lectio Divina (praying with God’s Word), Adoration of the Eucharist, and songs of worship and praise.  Afterwards, we gather for a short time of fellowship and simple refreshments.  This came about in response to a request from the students for a regular opportunity to pray to and worship the Lord together in a combination of ways – musical, Word-directed, and Eucharistic.  The music is chosen to be appropriate to the liturgical season, and to the setting in the church.  Silence is used, for example, during adoration; joyful though worshipful music is used before Exposition, and sets up a spirit for reflection and meditation on God’s Word.  “Praise and Worship” is a complementary Catholic spiritual expression to Rosaries and the Liturgy of the Hours, which are common forms of prayer at OLSWA.

When is the next Praise and Worship? 

Praise and Worship is planned according to the academic schedule (exams, drama productions, …) so as to fit appropriately into the student’s life.  Watch the Events board on the website for the next time we gather.  You are most welcome to come and try it out – you might just like it!

What is “Lectio Divina”? 

On December 4 for Praise and Worship, the Word was Luke 1:39-45, 56  (Mary Visits Elizabeth).  Click here to see the Lectio Divina meditation style we used to help us to pray about and meditate on Our Blessed Mother’s part in that first Advent, and to open our hearts to her motherly presence this Advent, and throughout Christmastide.