What is appropriate for children's adoration without a priest?

[Patrick]

I have an interest in holding Adoration specifically for the Children in our parish. I’ve sought and received permission from my pastor to go ahead including exposing the blessed sacrament in the Monstrance myself. I’ve had a look at a web-site (Fr. Antoine Thomas) that provides information for adoration with children but it is short on detail in terms of what the liturgy could include without a priest. I know that I couldn’t do the benediction or vest in any way. But what about use of incense, reading scripture and talking about it with the children. What about saying the various prayers and responses or singing the songs (O Salutaris, Tantum Ergo)that are associated with Adoration. Is it appropriate to say the Divine Praises?

Patrick

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear Patrick,

I wouldn’t do anything that would blur the distinction between Adoration and Benediction. I wouldn’t incense the Blessed Sacrament as it is done at Benediction. Not would I sing the hymns associated with it. But I might put a container of incense on the floor before the Blessed Sacrament and drop some incense on the coals while singing another Eucharistic hymn.

Singing or chanting a psalm would be a good thing. Praying Midday Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours would be appropriate. Chanting a very simple psalm tone would be quite appropriate as well as educational. Hope this helps.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.