(Death, Heaven, Purgatory, Hell)
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
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Question 34: Is it permissible for a layperson to expose and repose the Blessed Sacrament for adoration.
Answer: Yes, under certain circumstances. The ordinary minister of exposition is a bishop, priest or deacon. Only a bishop, priest or deacon may give the blessing with a monstrance, ciborium or pyx, which is known popularly as "Benediction". However, the bishop may authorize an acolyte, an extraordinary minister or a male or female religious to expose and repose the Blessed Sacrament for a just pastoral reason (CIC, Can. 943).
During the time of exposition, on or near the altar, or near the tabernacle, at least four candles, and/or lamps should burn and flowers should be set up. The custody of the key to the tabernacle should be planned beforehand, but, above all, someone should always be present, "watching" before the Lord. However, if no one in the community can be present, the Eucharist must be reposed immediately. At the conclusion of the time of adoration, even if a priest or deacon is not available for Benediction, the reposition may well be accompanied by the appropriate hour of the Liturgy of the Hours or eucharistic devotions, such as a litany or hymn.
Greater freedom in allowing laity and religious to expose the Eucharist has helped promote adoration in parishes and religious communities. The modern development of perpetual adoration as a parish lay spirituality may include daily exposition. Regular public celebrations of eucharistic adoration should form part of this devout "watching". Personal visits to the Blessed Sacrament are explicitly encouraged in the provision of the 1983 Code of Canon Law (canon 937) that churches ought to be kept open at least for some hours each day for people to adore Our Lord.
"No one who enters a church should fail to adore the Blessed Sacrament, either by visiting the Blessed Sacrament chapel or at least by genuflecting" (Ceremonial of Bishops, No. 71). See also the Catechism of the Catholic Church, §1418.
