Vespers

What it is

Vespers is Evening Prayer, one of the principal hours of the Divine OfficeGlossaryThe Church's daily liturgy of psalms, hymns, and readings sanctifying the hours—also called the Liturgy of the Hours.. As the day declines, the Church offers psalms, a New Testament canticle (the Magnificat in the Roman rite), intercessions, and a concluding prayer. In cathedrals and monasteries it is often sung; in parishes it may be simpler. It is among the most fitting public offices for the laity to join.

What it is not

Vespers is not "Catholic evensong cosplay"—it is the Church's own evening liturgy of the hoursGlossaryThe postconciliar name for the Divine Office—the Church's official daily prayer of psalms and readings across the hours.. It is not optional decoration after MassGlossaryThe Church's central act of worship—the Sacrifice of Calvary made present, and the sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood.; it is a distinct hour. It is not the same as ComplineGlossaryNight Prayer—the final hour of the Divine Office before sleep, classically including the Nunc Dimittis and a Marian antiphon. (Night Prayer), which belongs to the end of the day before sleep.

How a Catholic encounters it

Pray Evening Prayer from a breviary or approved text after work. Attend sung Vespers when available. On major feasts, notice how the antiphonsGlossaryA short scriptural or liturgical text sung or said before and after a psalm, canticle, or as a refrain in the Mass and Office. and hymn proclaim the day. Let the Magnificat teach you Mary's humility as the day's last clear word before night.