Can deacons do the homily?

[FuzzyBunny116]

I thought only priests could say the homily. Can deacons?

 

[Joseph_Bilodeau]

Yes, if they have been given faculties to preach from their Bishop.

 

[WanderAimlessly]

Yes. And I have heard some very good ones from deacons.

PF

 

[awalt]

Our Deacon gives wonderful homilies, his experiences in his life as a lay person gives him a different perspective. Not better, just different. I like the variety, I am sure that’s why Jesus gave him to us.

 

[cameron_lansing]

awalt:

Our Deacon gives wonderful homilies, his experiences in his life as a lay person gives him a different perspective. Not better, just different. I like the variety, I am sure that’s why Jesus gave him to us.

We understand what you mean about “experiences in his life as a lay person,” but just for clarity, the clerical state is assumed with ordination to the diaconate. The sacraments of orders and matrimony for married deacons do have a mutual effect that enriches both.

 

[plato3]

Most of our deacons preach once a month. They have a whole month for prayer and reflection and study. Their homilies have been praised by the faithful, who let Bishop know that they appreciate them. This is unfair advantage to the overworked priests, who have so many duties each week that there is not a great deal of time for preparation. Fr. Corapi suggests that the priest be relieved of routine tasks such as supervising staff, accounting duties, wedding rehersals Etc, so that he has more time to pray and prepare.

plato3

 

[Brendan]

From the GIRM

66 - As a rule, the homily must be given by the priest celebrant or is entrusted by him to a concelebrating priest, or, as circumstances dictate, may even be given by a deacon, but never by a lay person. In particular cases and with just cause, the homily may even be offered by a Bishop or a priest who is present at the celebration, but cannot concelebrate.