Ministry of Love and Justice | Ministry of the Word | Ministry of the Altar
What is a Deacon?
Part III: The Ministry of the Altar
As we read in the Acts of the Apostles (6:1-6), the first
seven deacons were chosen to serve at the table. Today the
deacon continues this role as a servant at the Table of the
Lord, the altar. He receives the gifts of the assembly, prepares
the table, assists the presider, gives directions to the assembly,
administers communion, clears the table and finally dismisses
the assembly.
After his service to the assembly in hearing and reflecting upon the Word of God, the deacon receives their gifts for the use of the faith community and the poor. He then prepares the table with these gifts. What is more characteristic of a servant than setting and clearing a table? The liturgy is filled with reminders of the deacon's role as a servant. He pours the wine. He distributes the Eucharistic bread into separate containers. He fulfills the ancient role of cup-bearer. And when the meal is completed, he clears the table and cleanses the vessels. During the Eucharistic prayer, his stance is to the side of the presider, careful to avoid the spotlight. By his very presence, he is a reminder that Eucharist is more than what happens at the altar; it is the source and summit of Christian life and everything such a life entails.
The deacon also provides logistical direction to the assembly. While the presider leads us in prayer, the deacon offers practical directions, such as when to give the sign of peace, or when to leave. He may offer other directions as needed, such as when to stand or kneel during special ceremonies, or give the announcements at Mass.
What is the most important part of the Mass? I once heard a liturgist say the most important part of the Mass is when the People of God, having heard the Word and having been nourished by the Eucharist, are sent out from the assembly to live what they have experienced. The very last words of the Mass are the deacon's dismissal, reminding us that we are called to be Church not just in the church building, but outside in the world. This dismissal is so important that from it comes our very word for Mass: we are sent, missa.
And so the assembly disperses to become the Body of Christ to all they encounter during the week. Confirmed in their faith through the ministry of lectors, altar servers, musicians, ushers, ministers of communion, the deacon and the priest, God's People are now called to be bread broken for the world in their everyday lives.
"How will we know when we have enough deacons? When to gather the gifts of the church and take them to the world, and to gather the needs of the world and bring them to the church, has become a habit. When deacons, going back and forth, have worn down the boundary lines we use to keep church and world separated. When deacons, leading the baptized in and out, have beaten a path between the altar and the gutter so that everyone will see the link between the Blood in our chalices and the blood in our streets. When all people respond to the challenge to live, not in the love of power, but in the power of love."
--Rev. Irma Wyman, Diaconate Director of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota
Ministry of Love and Justice | Ministry of the Word | Ministry of the Altar
