I arrived early to Vespers for a change...

our parish, taken with my phone minutes before Vespers!

It was good to be back.  Last week I did not attend Vespers because of a family commitment and, even though I only missed a week, I feel like I've been away forever. So I made sure I arrived early this week. I even had time to take a quick picture with my phone! (See above)

On the first Saturday of the month, our parish does a general confession after Vespers. The first time I experienced that I was a little freaked out only because Fr. Gary launched right into the Confession after Vespers concluded. Almost immediately, we were praying the Lord's Prayer and I thought, "Didn't we just do that?" (The Lord's prayer comes towards the end of Vespers). Eventually, I figured it out.

One thing I don't like is, usually, Fr. Gary does not give a homily when he is doing the General Confession. I imagine that is so he doesn't have to keep the faithful out longer than usual on a Saturday night.  But I enjoy his short homilies.But I'm not complaining! I suppose if I want more homilies, I"ll have to abandon the protestants and start going to Divine Liturgies!

In the meantime, I'll enjoy what I can!