Eucharistic Adoration

[dal11]

I’m in charge of a eucharistic adoration newsletter at our church. In it I always put “Never leave Jesus alone”,call some one on the list if you need to leave. Someone ask me why he can’t be left alone, we leave him alone in the tabernacle all the time. I didn’t have a good answer. Is it a rule some where, but not only a rule I need a good way of explaining it. Thanks

 

[John_Lilburne]

The 2004 Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum has:
“[138.] Still, the Most Holy Sacrament, when exposed, must never be left unattended even for the briefest space of time. It should therefore be arranged that at least some of the faithful always be present at fixed times, even if they take alternating turns.”

The full document is at vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20040423_redemptionis-sacramentum_en.html

Reasons for the rule:
– It shows respect for the Blessed Sacrament exposed.
– Security, since the Blessed Sacrament is not locked away, someone being present reduces the chance of theft or sacrilege.

 

[jpjd]

It would be like inviting a friend to come visit you as your guest, then when he arrives you leave him alone while you go run errands for the day.

 

[Brian_C]

Our chapel has a small wall-mounted secure tabernacle of sorts with hidden key to repose the Blessed Sacrament if an adorer is not relieved or needs to leave the chapel during their hour/s

 

[Spirithound]

Our chapel has a small wall-mounted secure tabernacle of sorts with hidden key to repose the Blessed Sacrament if an adorer is not relieved or needs to leave the chapel during their hour/s

Are the laity permitted to touch the Sacrament exposed?

 

[Georgess]

Have also seen a small icon screen/stand used for the same purpose ; at the time of the weekday Mass, in the chapel , the priest will put the screen in front of the monstrance ; lay persons are allowed to do the same on the rare occasions when no one else can be there - as much as that could speak of our ’ little faith’ …so many make efforts to run to the gym …and all types of activities , searching …and … yet missing out on so much !