Benediction

One of the most generally popular of Catholic services is Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. It is ordinarily an afternoon or evening devotion and consists in the singing of certain hymns, or litanies, orcanticles, before the Blessed Sacrament, which is exposed upon the altar in a monstrance and is surrounded with lights. At the end, the priest, his shoulders enveloped in a humeral veil, takes the monstrance into his hands and with it makes the sign of the cross (hence the name Benediction) in silence over the kneeling congregation. Benediction is generally treated as a rite, complete in itself.

- New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia

Exposition:

The Holy Sacrament is placed in the Monstrance and displayed upon the Altar of the church.

Adoration:

A period of silence and prayer during Exposition. Father has taken to doing a Litany during Exposition.

Censing:

Incensing of the altar which signals the end of Adoration and the beginning of Benediction.

Benediction Proper:

Father dons the humeral veil and traces the cross as a blessing to all present.

Divine Praises:

Led by Father or Deacon.

Hymn:

A final hymn is sung while reposing the Blessed Sacrament and the priest leaves the sanctuary.

Benediction at Notre Dame takes about 10 - 15 minutes and offers immeasurable grace to those present. The two chants, Tantum Ergo and O Salutaris Hostia, are both sung in their original Latin, while the chosen Litany, Divine Praises, and final hymn are in the vernacular.

Benediction is also performed at:

• Sacred Heart Parish in Jim Falls on Friday after 6:00 p.m. Mass
• St. Charles Parish in Chippewa Falls on Thursdays after the 9:00 a.m. Mass
• McDonell Central High School in Chippewa Falls on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Please call the school at 715.723.0538 for times.