Ask a Question - or - Return to the Liturgy Forum Index

Question Title Posted By Question Date
Is this allowed for a deacon to do? Linda Monday, November 8, 2004

Question:

Dear Mr. Slavek;

What are the parts of the Liturgy of the Mass that a decon can say? At Sunday Mass, a deacon said the prayers usually said by the priest at the beginning of the Mass at the part called the penitential Rite. He also purified the chalices that held the Holy Communion and Precious Blood after Holy Communion was given, while the priest sat down at the altar. At the dismissal part of the Mass, the deacon said "The mass is ended ........" Was the deacon supposed to be doing these things and saying the prayers he did?

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Linda,

The deacon can do all these things except say the penitential rite...  only the priest may do that.

The GIRM contains a section for deacons.  Here is a brief summary of what they do:

If he is present at Mass, he should be vested and perform his ministry.  He assists the priest with incense.  He proclaims the Gospel and may give the homily.  He announces the intentions at the general intercessions.  He pours the water and wine and says "By the mystery of this water and wine..."  He holds the chalice during the doxology of the Eucharistic Prayer.  He invites the people to make the sign of peace.  He is an ordinary minister of the Eucharist.  He cleanses the vessels.  He dismisses the people.

Again, the complete instructions are found in the Sacramentary, let me know if I can be more specific.

 

Mr. Slavek
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

(b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks.

(c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively.