Q: I was told to lead a Holy Hour service this week. I was given the 1976 “Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass” . This book indicates I can lead it, but once the text starts describing the Rite it does not distinguish the Lay Minister’s role. I don’t think I would do everything a priest or deacon would do. Is there a separate format available for Lay Ministers?
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A: The only part you may not do is offering a blessing with the monstrance. You may approach the tabernacle, withdraw a host, set it in a monstrance, set the monstrance on the altar, incense it, and lead whatever common prayer you desire—music, readings, prayers. Then after a period of adoration, you repose the Blessed Sacrament.
You are using the right book. We’ll have a new English translation for it in the US sometime next year. I’ve just finished writing a commentary that will also be available next year.