A church bell is rung to signify the hour or the time to stop and pray. In many Catholic churches, the ringing of a church bell for the Angelus prayer, morning, midday and evening, is called the Angelus bell.

Morning, noon and evening bells were influenced by the Jewish practice of praying to the Lord three times a day. This practice is found in the Old Testament; for example in Psalm 55:17, which suggests "praying, morning, noon and evening," and in Daniel 6:10 (Daniel prayed three times a day).

Evening bells are still a common way for all the faithful to stop their busy lives for a moment to say a prayer, and remember the thought of Isaiah: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

The glorious company of apostles praise you,

The worthy fellowship of prophets praise you,

The white robed army of martyrs praise you.

Through the whole world the holy Church testifies to: Father, whose glory is beyond our comprehension. (Te Deum)