The Church of the Holy Spirit Preserves Ancient Monastic Tradition With Compline Service

Every Sunday evening, for a mere 20 minutes, an incense-filled Lake Forest church reaches back more than 1,000 years to capture a beautiful monastic ceremony that offers thanks for the day that is ending and seeks God’s protection through the night.

The ceremony, known as Compline, is held at 7 p.m. each Sunday through February 26 at The Church of the Holy Spirit. The ancient service is led by a small choir that chants prayers and hymns in the flickering light of candles. Worshipers remain silent throughout the service, with many coming early or lingering to meditate in the quiet of the sanctuary.

The service began as a practice in monastic communities and was introduced at the Lake Forest church twelve years ago. Don Horisberger, church choirmaster, maintains the tradition and regards it as among the most meaningful ceremonies in the church.

“Compline offers a unique way to experience the Holy in life,” said Mr. Horisberger. “It helps us escape the hyper-activity of life, inviting us to be still in the presence of God.”

Holy Spirit parishioners serve as vergers who set up the sanctuary, lay out dozens of candles and arrange the “smells and bells” that greet worshipers. The choir, or Schola, consists of about sixteen members who have trained to sing the prayers and chants.

Christine Myers, one of the Schola singers, offers an invitation to all: “As the day draws to a close, all are invited to enter into this space of solace – to leave behind all that is past, set aside any anxiety regarding the future, and simply rest in the present. For brief and beautiful moments, in the midst of a silent community keeping watch, we find peace in light breaking through darkness and renewed strength through songs and psalms guiding us into night.”

The Church of the Holy Spirit is located at 400 E. Westminster, Lake Forest, IL. For more information, please call 847-234-7633 or visit www.chslf.org.