Who are Deacons?

The ministry of the deacon in the Roman Catholic Church is described as one of service in three areas: the Word, the Liturgy and Charity.

The deacon's ministry of the Word includes proclaiming the Gospel at the Eucharist, preaching and teaching.

His ministry of Liturgy is at the Altar, and includes various parts of the Mass proper to the deacon. At Mass, the deacon is the ordinary minister of the proclamation of the Gospel (in fact, a priest, bishop, or even the Pope should not proclaim the Gospel if a deacon is present) and of Holy Communion (primarily, of the Precious Blood). Deacons typically have the faculty to preach the homily at Mass, at a frequency determined by the pastor.

The ministry of charity involves service to the poor and marginalized and working with parishioners to help them become more involved in such ministry.

Deacons are clerics, they can administer the sacrament of Baptism and serve as the church's witness at the sacrament of Holy Matrimony, which the bride and groom administer to each other. Deacons may preside at various services such as a wake service, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, and they may give blessings. They cannot hear confession and give absolution, anoint the sick, or celebrate Mass.

For more information: Visit the Office of Permanent Diaconate website.