Believe what you
read, preach what you believe, practice what you preach. — The bishop to
the new deacon as he hands him the Book of Gospels during the ordination
liturgy
What the Deacon Does
At Mass
- Assists the priest or bishop
- Provides directions as necessary to the assembly
- Proclaims the Gospel
- Preaches the homily
- Leads the General Intercessions (Prayer of the Faithful)
- Administers communion from the cup
- Dismisses the assembly at the end of Mass
In Everyday Life
- Works at his regular job to support himself and his family, if married
- If married, works at having a good marriage and includes his wife in ministry
- Works with the poor and outcast in the community
- Serves as a minister of the Gospel in the workplace
In the Parish
- Reminds the parish members of their responsibility to the poor and outcast, helps them get involved in social justice work
- Brings the poor and outcast into the parish community
- Serves as the voice of the poor and outcast in the larger society
- Administers baptism, presides at marriages and funerals
- Works closely with the pastor for special needs of the parish
- Trains liturgical ministers
- Prepares people for reception of the sacraments
- Presides at various other ceremonies
In the Archdiocese
- Assists the bishop at special liturgies in the cathedral
- Serves as the special helper of the bishop, his “eyes and ears”
- Notifies the bishop of special needs of the poor and outcast
- Serves as the bishop’s master of ceremonies for special occasions
Who is the Deacon?
- Three-fold ministry of service: charity, word and altar
- Ordained clergy in the three ordained orders of bishop, priest and deacon
- At least 35 years old at time of ordination
- May be married at time of ordination
- Completes a five-year program of formation and study before ordination
- Responsible to the bishop; collaborates with the priests
