My schola is planning to chant the Divine Office one of these days, but the presence of a priest is not yet confirmed. How do we say the prayers at the end of the Office?
You don't need a priest to sing any office. Don't say: Dominus vobiscum etc. (if that is what is noted - that is for a priest) but (Cantor / Leader or whoever - the same person who commences the office with Deus in adiutorium etc. ): Domine, exaudi orationem meam (choir reply:) Et clamor meus ad te veniat. (Cantor): Oremus. (followed by prayer of the day). Conclude with the same Domine exaudi etc. Et clamor ....as above. As an example, see attachment for the text of our choir's Easter Matins recording. (Sung without a priest. Ignore the hymn and gradual respond at the end - just included to fill the CD.)
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