Q: In preparation for the next month celebration of Corpus Christi, I would like to ask this question earlier:
Considering that the monstrance is used for the Eucharistic procession, and this eucharistic procession begins after the Mass at which the host to be carried in the procession is consecrated, is it allowed to hold this eucharistic procession after the celebration of the Word led by a lay person or a deacon, in a remote area where they did not have a Sunday Mass?
Is there a particular “order of procession” as it is in the procession on Palm Sunday? The Ceremonial of Bishops presents in no 391 an order which is not easy to apply in the parish community.
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A: Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery 101 gives considerable deference to the bishop for monitoring how processions are to be done. In your circumstance, he would be able to approve this.
I presume that your celebration of the Word includes distribution of holy communion, and that’s why you’d like the procession to follow it, as happens at the conclusion of a Corpus Christi Mass. If it does not include the distribution of communion, then you may frame the Sunday celebration as The Order of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction (HCWEMOM 93-100). During the adoration, then, readings may be proclaimed.
The Ceremonial of Bishops may give you some inspiration for the order of procession, but you’re right that a lay leader or deacon is different from a bishop. HCWEMOM 106 allows the procession to take place according to local custom.
Best is to have your bishop approve the order of service.