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Question Title Posted By Question Date
deacons saying mass IRENE Sunday, August 7, 2005

Question:

IF THERE ARE ENOUGH HOSTS CONSECRATED BY THE PRIEST, CAN THE DEACON SAY MASS? I KNOW THE DEACON CAN'T DO THAT PART OF THE MASS. THANK YOU, AND GOD BLESS

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Irene,

There is no Mass if there is no consecration and priest.  If there is no priest available, a deacon may lead a Communion service which resembles some parts of the Mass.  However it should never be called a "Mass", not even in passing.

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.