Deacons

[FAB]

I’m fairly sure a deacon could be a chaplain, but there are disadvantages to this - they can’t hear confessions or give the anointing of the sick. AFAIK, only a priest can perform exorcisms.

There are many deacons that are chaplains, in hospitals, prisons, any place we are needed to do so. It is true we are at a disadvantage to to be able to anoint the sick, but there are many things we can do for those who are sick including giving vaticum.
Most important we give care and comfort. Living Jesus called us all to do as it say’s in Mathew to feed to poor, cloth the naked, visit the sick, minister to those imprisoned, give water to the thirsty, house the homeless. Our ministries are far reaching. Giving blessings is part of what we do, but not the center of what we do.
I have a sign on my Church door that says “deacon do it” It is whatever the church call us to do and what the holy people of god need us to do.

Back to the Book of Blessings, there is nothing that says it must be used by priest or deacons. Most of the time that I have used to prayers are very narrow in scope. Most of the time they have to be modified to fit the circumstance. It a tool, that is useful on occasions because it has formulaic prayers, such as for blessing a car.

Deacon Frank

 

[dee_burk]

What about exorcisms? Hopefully this isn’t a need that comes up more than monthly in your parish, but you never know. I am sure no one but a bishop can authorize someone to do that, but is a deacon someone he can authorize?
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I think only a priest trained in exorcisms can and only after a full investigation and permission from the Bishop

 

[FAB]

I think only a priest trained in exorcisms can and only after a full investigation and permission from the Bishop

Perhaps if you are thinking only of the “Exorcist”. In fact there are prayers of exorcism in both the Baptismal Rite and the RCIA Rite. Both of which are prayed by both deacons and priest.
Having worked within the prison system, I prayed with inmates to drive out demons. I also prayed over people and blessed houses to protect both form evil. It is by using the name Jesus that such is done.
Deacon Frank

 

[hcruz402]

Phemie,

I agree with you that Canon Law allows for Confirmation to be administered by a priest, in the scenarios in which you describe. Here’s a more in-depth link on that.

Can a Priest Administer the Sacrament of Confirmation?

Q: A friend’s husband is going to become a Catholic this year at the Easter Vigil. He wasn’t raised in any faith at all. My friend says that the pastor will administer three sacraments all at the V…

canonlawmadeeasy.com

Also, yes, a deacon can be a chaplain at a hospital. He can bring Viaticum to the dying. However, he can’t hear their confessions or anoint them.