Question on Acolytes and the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

[DBT]

Does anyone have any info on what an acolyte does - and when he does it - in the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament? I guess I’m looking for a “how to” guide.

Thanks.
Dave.

 

[Brendan]

Can. 943 The minister of exposition of the blessed Sacrament and of the eucharistic blessing is a priest or deacon. In special circumstances the minister of exposition and deposition alone, but without the blessing, is an acolyte, and extraordinary minister of holy communion, or another person deputed by the local Ordinary, in accordance with the regulations of the diocesan Bishop.

The Acolyte may, with permission, expose or repose the Blessed Sacrament for Adoration.

Only a Bishop, Priest or Deacon may give the Eucharistic Blessing (Benediction)

 

[DBT]

Brendan:

The Acolyte may, with permission, expose or repose the Blessed Sacrament for Adoration.

Only a Bishop, Priest or Deacon may give the Eucharistic Blessing (Benediction)

Thanks for the reply.

I’m going from memory here, but the services I’ve seen use two acolytes: one holds the incense for the Priest, the other brings the cloak (sorry I don’t know the proper term) the Priest uses to cover his hands prior to picking up the monstrance.

I guess I’m looking for any guidelines for how and when this is done in a Benediction service. My reason for asking is that there’s a possibility I might be asked to serve as an acolyte in the near future. If that’s the case, I’d like to be prepared beforehand.

Thanks to all.
Dave.

 

[Brendan]

Ah, you’re looking for a liturgical practium for the Acolyte.

I’ll fire off a note to the Seminarian doing his pastorial work at our parish.

He assists Father or our Deacon at the Benediction on Fridays

 

[DBT]

Brendan:

Ah, you’re looking for a liturgical practium for the Acolyte.

I’ll fire off a note to the Seminarian doing his pastorial work at our parish.

He assists Father or our Deacon at the Benediction on Fridays

Thank you so much

Dave.

 

[Fidei_Defensor]

DBT:

…the other brings the cloak (sorry I don’t know the proper term) the Priest uses to cover his hands prior to picking up the monstrance.

Humeral Veil.

 

[Brendan]

Here is the response from the Seminarian at serving at our parish

While the hymn “Tantum Ergo” is sung (normally at the second part) the presider (kneeling or standing) takes the boat from the server while the latter holds the censer/thurible open.

The presider places incense on the coals and makes a sign of the cross on them before the censer is closed.

The server then takes the boat from the presider and hands him the censer.

If they are standing, they both kneel, make a bow before the Blessed
Sacrament then the presider incenses the Real Presence thrice (with three
forward swings each).
The presider then hands the censer to the server who temporarily hangs it on the stand.
The presider stands to say or chant a short prayer.

Meanwhile, the server stands and gets the humeral veil and
prepares to place it on the presider’s shoulders.

At the end of the prayer the presider receives the veil either kneeling or standing. The server helps the presider with the veil and makes sure it is in place.

The presider then goes to the altar, makes a single geneflection before our Lord, reaches for the monstrance (or ciborium, for simple benediction), holding it with his hands covered by the respective ends of the veil.

Meanwhile, the server kneels with the censer suspended from his left hand and supported by his right.

Carrying our Lord and facing the faithful, the presider then makes the sign of the cross, blessing those who are present (and the whole world).

The server, at the foot of the altar, makes a bow before proceeding to incense the Blessed Sacrament thrice, with three
forward swings each–first, when the monstrance is raised, then while it is moved to the right, and lastly while it is moved to the left.

Another sever (or one of the faithful) rings the bell each time the Blessed Sacrament is incensed.

Since the thurifer cannot make the sign of the cross on himself while our Lord gives his blessing, he does it right after the incensation.

After the blessing, the presider returns to his place, unties/unbuttons/unhooks the humeral veil and allows the server to remove it from his shoulders.

If the Host is being reposed after the Benediction, He can opt to keep the veil on for reposition. It can also be use for exposition as well.

I would ask that you keep him (Don) in your prayers. He just recently lost his brother (Joseph). If you could keep them all in your prayers, I would appreciate it!!

 

[DBT]

Thank you Brendan, this is exactly what I was looking for . . . very helpful

I will offer my prayers this day for you, Don and Joseph.

Dave.

 

[Luther77]

Here is the response from the Seminarian at serving at our parish

I would ask that you keep him (Don) in your prayers. He just recently lost his brother (Joseph). If you could keep them all in your prayers, I would appreciate it!!

I would like to express deep “Thank You” to Don. His answer to this question helped me immensely. I am a seminarian doing a summer parish assignment. I was assigned to do benediction but as much as I tried, couldn’t get anyone to train me and went completely off Don’s answer here. So, thank you. May God Bless You in your journey and strengthen you and your family in coping with the loss of your brother and keep strengthening your love for Him. Blessings on all you do Don.