Can A Deacon Perform Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament?

[At_Trent]

I was asked this question, and after searching, the only info I can find that includes rubrics indicates what the priest does. No mention of deacon.

So, can a deacon do it ?

 

[Lapey]

I was asked this question, and after searching, the only info I can find that includes rubrics indicates what the priest does. No mention of deacon.

So, can a deacon do it ?

Yes, with the stipulation that if a priest is present and able, the deacon should defer to the priest. But the simple answer is yes.

 

[Lapey]

III. Minister Of Exposition

1. The ordinary minister for exposition of the eucharist is a priest or deacon. At the end of the period of adoration, before the reposition, he blesses the congregation with the sacrament.

In the absence of a priest or deacon or if they are lawfully impeded, the following persons may publicly expose and later repose the eucharist for the adoration of the faithful:

a. an acolyte or special minister of communion;

b. upon appointment by the local Ordinary, a member of a religious community or of a pious association of laymen or laywomen which is devoted to eucharistic adoration.

Such ministers may open the tabernacle and also, as required, place the ciborium on the altar or place the host in the monstrance. At the end of the period of adoration, they replace the blessed sacrament in the tabernacle. It is not lawful, however, for them to give the blessing with the sacrament.

1. The minister, if he is a priest or deacon, should vest in an alb, or a surplice over a cassock, and a stole. Other ministers should wear either the liturgical vestments that are used in the region or the vesture that is befitting this ministry and is approved by the Ordinary.

The priest or deacon should wear a white cope and humeral veil to give the blessing at the end of adoration, when the exposition takes place with the monstrance; in the case of exposition in the ciborium, he should put on the humeral veil.
This is from the EWTN website, not sure if it is a direct quote or not, but it is based on the rites book, “Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass”. I have a copy of this book, however it is not with me right now.

 

[At_Trent]

Yes, with the stipulation that if a priest is present and able, the deacon should defer to the priest. But the simple answer is yes.

Ok, thank you. Good enough.

 

[At_Trent]

III. Minister Of Exposition

1. The ordinary minister for exposition of the eucharist is a priest or deacon. At the end of the period of adoration, before the reposition, he blesses the congregation with the sacrament.

In the absence of a priest or deacon or if they are lawfully impeded, the following persons may publicly expose and later repose the eucharist for the adoration of the faithful:

a. an acolyte or special minister of communion;

b. upon appointment by the local Ordinary, a member of a religious community or of a pious association of laymen or laywomen which is devoted to eucharistic adoration.

Such ministers may open the tabernacle and also, as required, place the ciborium on the altar or place the host in the monstrance. At the end of the period of adoration, they replace the blessed sacrament in the tabernacle. It is not lawful, however, for them to give the blessing with the sacrament.

1. The minister, if he is a priest or deacon, should vest in an alb, or a surplice over a cassock, and a stole. Other ministers should wear either the liturgical vestments that are used in the region or the vesture that is befitting this ministry and is approved by the Ordinary.

The priest or deacon should wear a white cope and humeral veil to give the blessing at the end of adoration, when the exposition takes place with the monstrance; in the case of exposition in the ciborium, he should put on the humeral veil.
This is from the EWTN website, not sure if it is a direct quote or not, but it is based on the rites book, “Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass”. I have a copy of this book, however it is not with me right now.

Aw, you posted that while I was typing. Thanks for taking time to post that info.

God Bless