| Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
|---|---|---|
| Questions About Deacons | Adam | Monday, December 27, 2004 |
Question: Two questions about deacons: First, what is the symbolism of the "sideways" stole deacons wear (versus the around-the-neck wearing that priests do)? Second, what are the rules for what a deacon wears for Mass? In some churches I see deacons wearing a full vestment similar to the priest, and in others, just the white robe and the sideways stole. |
||
| Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek
Dear Adam, The stole means the same for a deacon as it does for the priest: it is a mark of the sacramental role of the minister. The only difference is that it is worn differently, as you said, "sideways". This means that the cleric is not yet a priest, or also since the changes of the Second Vatican Council a permanent deacon. In addition to the alb and stole the deacon must also wear the dalmatic, which is a large vestment like a robe with wide sleeves. It is worn over the alb and stole. Because of its shape, it is a symbol of the cross. Its material, design and color should match that of the chasuble of the priest. 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. |
||