Deacons share in the one apostolic ministry of the bishop who has the fullness of holy orders. Deacons assist the bishop and his priests as they exercise ministries that derive from the bishop’s roles as priest, prophet and king, and his apostolic duties to sanctify, teach and govern.
Deacons participate in the ministry of the bishop, who is priest and sanctifier, through their liturgical and sacramental ministries. At Mass, the deacon assists at the altar when he offers the invocations of the penitential act, proclaims the Gospel, preaches the homily occasionally, reads the petitions of the general intercessions or the prayer of the faithful, receives the gifts, prepares the altar, assists with incensing, holds the chalice during the doxology, invites the congregation to share the sign of peace, distributes holy Communion, assists with the purification of the sacred vessels and dismisses the congregation at the end of Mass.
As sacramental ministers, deacons share in the bishop’s priestly role when they officiate for the sacrament of baptism or witness the sacrament of marriage. Deacons exercise other ministries related to the sacraments when they lead Communion or other prayer services; expose or repose the Blessed Sacrament for Eucharistic adoration; officiate or assist with Benediction; bring holy Communion to the sick or viaticum to the dying; and conduct funerals, wakes and graveside committals. Deacons also bless religious articles.
Another major dimension of diaconal ministry is to share in the bishop’s prophetic ministry as preacher and teacher. A deacon always proclaims the Gospel. The bishop or priest who presides at Mass is the usual homilist, while deacons serve as the homilist at Sunday, weekday or other Masses as delegated by the pastor.
As teachers, deacons have a sacred duty to catechize the lay faithful. They fulfill this important calling when they train and supervise catechists, teach faith formation classes, conduct sacramental preparation programs, instruct catechumens and those seeking full communion with the Catholic Church, facilitate Bible study or other study groups, host adult education events, or conduct ongoing formation for lectors or extraordinary ministers of holy Communion.
The bishop’s role as king is to govern, not only to oversee and direct the affairs of his diocese, but also to care for his people with works of charity. Deacons join in his charitable ministry when they work at a food shelf, soup kitchen or clothing distribution center; package meals; take food and groceries to the homebound; assist those who lack adequate housing; or work at an agency that provides help to the disadvantaged.
In addition, most deacons visit the sick in their homes, senior residences, health care facilities and hospitals. A few deacons are hospital chaplains. Others are chaplains for police or fire departments. Some specialize in prison ministry and go to a jail, workhouse or prison to visit inmates, offer counsel and support, and conduct prayer services. Some serve as parish ministry coordinators for volunteers, the bereavement ministry, altar servers, ushers, greeters, lectors or extraordinary ministers of holy Communion.
Father Van Sloun is director of clergy personnel for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. This column is part of a series on the sacrament of holy orders.
