The prayer evening begins with exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by the rosary. The first decade will be led by the presiding priest or deacon, followed by decades led by the congregation members. The speakers will then give a talk at the conclusion of the rosary.
According to Emma Brandon, long-time president of the Springfield Serra Club, 2013 has been "a year in which many Catholics have seen our basic beliefs challenged" making this year "a time when this novena is of great need."
Here is a brief summary of the speakers and their topics:
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Saturday, Nov. 30, The Annunciation, Father Bernard Thomas Donovan;
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Sunday, Dec. 1, The Visitation, Father James O'Shea;
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Monday, Dec. 2, The Nativity of Our Lord, Father Jeff Grant;
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Tuesday, Dec. 3, The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki;
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Wednesday, Dec. 4, Our Lady of Sorrows, Msgr. Carl Kemme;
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Thursday, Dec. 5, The Descent of the Holy Spirit Upon Mary and the Apostles, Father Stephen Thompson;
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Friday, Dec. 6, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Father John Sullivan, OFM;
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Saturday, Dec. 7, Mary, Queen of All Saints, Deacon Ben Hoefler;
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Sunday, Dec. 8, The Immaculate Conception, Feast Day of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Benediction, Father Mark Schulte.
The mission of the Serra Club is to affirm current priests, deacons and consecrated men and women; to foster an environment that is conducive to vocations to ordained and consecrated life; and for its own members to grow in holiness and their Catholic faith. The Marian Center, located at 313 E. Monroe in Springfield and founded by Mack more than 25 years ago, is a non-for-profit organization that offers a wide array of religious supplies.
For more information, call the Marian Center at (217) 744-3610 or Emma Brandon at (217) 529-2617.