While solemn exposition (with the use of servers and incense) can only be carried out by an ordained priest or deacon, a simple exposition, either by opening the tabernacle or placing the Host in a monstrance, can be done by an instituted acolyte, an authorized extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, or by any individual delegated by the pastor.
Only an ordained minister may impart Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament. However, should no priest or deacon be available, an authorized extraordinary minister may perform a simple reposition or exposition of the Eucharist (see the 1973 document "Eucharistiae Sacramentum" of the Congregation for Divine Worship, Nos. 91-92).
The function of the extraordinary minister of exposition is limited to the simple exposition or reposition of the Blessed Sacrament with a minimum of ceremonial.
Exposing the Blessed Sacrament
Exposition must happen at the time when Adoration begins, e.g. 6:00am. You are expressly forbidden from exposing the Eucharist earlier, or at any other times.
- Always genuflect when approaching the Blessed Sacrament.
- Light the candles on the Altar and place the Monstrance on top of the Tabor (the golden pedestal)
- Retrieve the Tabernacle key from behind the St. Catharine statue.
- Remove the large Luna, which contains the Blessed Sacrament, from the Tabernacle. *Please leave Tabernacle open.
- Slide the Blessed Sacrament into the Monstrance and shut the door and latch it closed.
- Place the Tabernacle key behind the St. Catharine statue.
- Adore Jesus.
Reposing the Blessed Sacrament
Reposition must happen at the time when Adoration ends, e.g. 12:00am or 4:00pm. You are not permitted to extend Adoration past those times.
- Always genuflect when approaching the Blessed Sacrament.
- Retrieve the Tabernacle key from behind the St. Catharine statue, or it may be in the Tabernacle door.
- Slide the Luna, which contains the Blessed Sacrament, out the Monstrance and place it into the Tabernacle, ensuring that it is locked securely.
- Extinguish the candles on the Altar and place the Monstrance on the wooden credence table to the side of the Altar.
- Place the Tabernacle key behind the St. Catharine statue.
- Please leave the Chapel lights on.
- Before you leave please ensure that both sets of exterior-most glass doors are locked: on the Gould Rd. side between the Parish Hall and the Chapel, and on the Parking Lot side leading out of the Gallery.
- The doors automatically lock at 11:45pm (3:45pm on Saturday), but if, for some reason, the crash bars on the exterior glass doors are unlocked, please use the Allen Key that is also behind the St. Catharine statue to lock them.
- If there are still guests in the Chapel praying they are free to remain.
