Nightfever

Nightfever began in Germany after World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne. It began as an idea from two students and has spread to over 90 cities in Europe and North America. And on October 5th of this past year, it came for the first time to Chicago.

The idea behind Nightfever is simple and brilliant at the same time: we want to open the church during the night and invite everyone to a moment of tranquility to find their inner peace. And the effect has been remarkable.

Holy Name Cathedral was opened from 9pm-Midnight on Saturday, October 5th. With the Eucharist exposed on the altar, priests available to talk or hear confessions, and quiet music playing, young adults stood on the streets around the Cathedral and invited people inside to simply light a candle before going on their way for the evening. Everyone was welcomed to stay for as long or as short a time as they liked, and to come and go as they pleased. Over 400 people came into the Cathedral to pray before going on their way. Some lit a candle and left, others stayed for over an hour. Some were not even Christian; others received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time in decades. Hearts were touched and healed and transformed, not only in those who were invited in but also in the volunteers themselves. It was an outstanding experience of Christ’s love for all involved.

As our Saint Anne Liturgy Team discussed our many plans for Lent, it was decided that we would bring Nightfever right here to our own parish family. Every Tuesday evening during Lent, it has been our tradition to gather for a simple meal of soup and bread followed by a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Devotion. In bringing Nightfever to our parish, it is our intention to open our church and begin Eucharistic Adoration at 6 PM, the same time that we are beginning our soup and bread meal. This would allow people to quietly visit the church and enjoy the peace of prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament for however long or short a period of time they would like to stay. Father Ralph will be present in the church for anyone who would like to visit with him, ask him questions about their faith, pray with him, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation or the Anointing of the Sick, or simply receive his blessing. At 7 PM, the prayers of our regular Lenten Holy Hour will begin as usual, but people who are present for Nightfever will of course be welcome to stay or go as their own hearts guide them. Father Ralph will continue to remain available for conversation or for the Sacraments until the very end of our Holy Hour, which concludes with Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 8 PM.

It is our hope that combining Nightfever with our traditional Lenten Holy Hour will create a new way to welcome people to our church during Lent for prayer, meditation, healing and reconciliation. We will be doing our very best to get the word out about Nightfever and we ask all of you to help us spread the word.

All are welcome to join us for however long or short a time you like. All are invited to sit and rest in the loving presence of our Lord Jesus, to pray, to visit, to be reconciled, to be healed by His amazing grace. Please invite your friends and family to join us. Please come and be at peace in the Eucharistic presence of our Lord Jesus!