Deacon mixing wine and water

[teme]

I was at a Mass in a different city yesterday, and saw something I’d never seen before. After the Offertory, the Deacon set out the 4 Chalices etc for the Priest, which is what our parish’s Deacon does. But then, he also mixed the water into the wine. Then the priest came to the altar (and I think) said the prayers over the bread and wine. Is the Deacon permitted to do this?

The church seems less conservative than we’re used to, but this seemed quite odd…

 

[AJV]

I was at a Mass in a different city yesterday, and saw something I’d never seen before. After the Offertory, the Deacon set out the 4 Chalices etc for the Priest, which is what our parish’s Deacon does. But then, he also mixed the water into the wine. Then the priest came to the altar (and I think) said the prayers over the bread and wine. Is the Deacon permitted to do this?

The church seems less conservative than we’re used to, but this seemed quite odd…

Yes, this is the privilege and role of the deacon

1. After the Prayer of the Faithful, while the priest remains at the chair, the deacon prepares the altar, assisted by the acolyte, but it is the deacon’s place to take care of the sacred vessels himself. He also assists the priest in receiving the people’s gifts. Next, he hands the priest the paten with the bread to be consecrated, pours wine and a little water into the chalice, saying quietly, Per huius aquae (By the mystery of this water), and after this presents the chalice to the priest. He may also carry out the preparation of the chalice at the credence table. If incense is used, the deacon assists the priest during the incensation of the gifts, the cross, and the altar; afterwards, the deacon himself or the acolyte incenses the priest and the people.