Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Question from Beverley Silva on 8/11/2008:
A group from my Parish is planning a one day retreat for women to be held in a rented hall. They want to end the day with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. I am having a lot of trouble with this as I don't think this is the proper place to worship the Holy Presence of our Lord. I don't think there will even be a priest or deacon present. It is my understanding that the Blessed Sacrament may only be exposed where the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is held. This last spring there was another one day retreat in a rented hall but our Pastor did have Mass at the start of the day. There was no Adoration, however. Also I understand that the Host may only be taken by a lay person, an Extraordinary Minister of Communion, when they are taking it to a person who is ill. Thank you and God Bless you for your answer. Beverley Silva, Santa Nella, CA
Answer by Fr. Jay Toborowsky on 8/15/2008:
Well, while the place where adoration is taking place should be a dignified place, there is no rule that it has to take place where Mass occurs. Many youth retreats take place in gyms and there is adoration. But you're right in questioning the details. Someone (preferably a clergyman) should be there to expose and repose the sacrament. Will there be anything else going on in the hall while adoration is going on? I would hope for the best when it comes to trusting people will treat the sacrament with respect, but I think it's fair to ask them if they know the protocol for such a thing.
Question from Beverley Silva on 8/11/2008:
A group from my Parish is planning a one day retreat for women to be held in a rented hall. They want to end the day with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. I am having a lot of trouble with this as I don't think this is the proper place to worship the Holy Presence of our Lord. I don't think there will even be a priest or deacon present. It is my understanding that the Blessed Sacrament may only be exposed where the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is held. This last spring there was another one day retreat in a rented hall but our Pastor did have Mass at the start of the day. There was no Adoration, however. Also I understand that the Host may only be taken by a lay person, an Extraordinary Minister of Communion, when they are taking it to a person who is ill. Thank you and God Bless you for your answer. Beverley Silva, Santa Nella, CA
Answer by Fr. Jay Toborowsky on 8/15/2008:
Well, while the place where adoration is taking place should be a dignified place, there is no rule that it has to take place where Mass occurs. Many youth retreats take place in gyms and there is adoration. But you're right in questioning the details. Someone (preferably a clergyman) should be there to expose and repose the sacrament. Will there be anything else going on in the hall while adoration is going on? I would hope for the best when it comes to trusting people will treat the sacrament with respect, but I think it's fair to ask them if they know the protocol for such a thing.
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