The Holy Ordination of Deacons

[Lapey]

For me there is a serious chemical reaction that overtakes my thought process when I speak in front of more than 3 people… My thoughts ‘lock-up’ and I suddenly draw a blank. I look incredibly dumb… Oh well…

We have several permanent deacons in our diocese who do not have faculties to preach but they do participate in the liturgies as a deacon should. It is not mandatory that a deacon preach. Some of us are very good at preaching and teaching, some of us are not; “not all are given the same gifts.”

It is a good and holy step in one’s life to persue a closer relationship with God, this is one way to carry this out if you do in fact feel called to this call your vocations affice and check it out. You will not regret this call, I can assure you!

 

[JerrySeibert]

We have several permanent deacons in our diocese who do not have faculties to preach but they do participate in the liturgies as a deacon should. It is not mandatory that a deacon preach. Some of us are very good at preaching and teaching, some of us are not; “not all are given the same gifts.”

It is a good and holy step in one’s life to persue a closer relationship with God, this is one way to carry this out if you do in fact feel called to this call your vocations affice and check it out. You will not regret this call, I can assure you!

A Deacon at my parish does not always read the Gospel or preach, not that he is not good at this, he has a wonderful voice and helps in the choir. He is good at helping ensure people who wish to have the opportunity to sing in the choir. He also leads most of the charity events at the parish. So because one is not a great speaker does not mean one cannot be a Deacon or, should be a Deacon. I have even seen some Deacons read the Gospel and the Priest says the Homily, not often but I assume this is allowed.
If I may suggest finding a spiritual advisor, they may be able to lead you into a deeper spiritual life. This helped me when I found a Priest who is an Oblate of Saint Frances DeSales he challenges me with reading and interpreting Bible passages. For instance I write my interpretation and email him on the upcoming Gospel for Sunday, not unlike writing a Homily. This practice has helped me see more clearly how to interpret the Gospels.
Gods peace.

 

[aemcpa]

I have even seen some Deacons read the Gospel and the Priest says the Homily, not often but I assume this is allowed.

The Deacon at our parish always reads the Gospel when he is present at Mass, but I have never heard him preach at Mass. He has preached homilies in the context of administering Baptism, but never at Mass that I know of.

 

[Lapey]

The Deacon at our parish always reads the Gospel when he is present at Mass, but I have never heard him preach at Mass. He has preached homilies in the context of administering Baptism, but never at Mass that I know of.

This is not unusual, not all deacons preach at Mass. Many are never given faculties to preach by their bishop. The presiding priest is the one who most often will preach, as it should be. The GIRM states, " on occasion the deacon may preach." I’m good with the occassional opportunities. I normally preach one weekend a month at all of teh Masses and at many other events in the parish and diocese. I would say I am one of teh deacons who preach more often than others. But still only on occasion.

The deacon should always read the gospel at Mass, unless he is not serving as a deacon, like in the case of what was described above, he served as a cantor so no, he would not proclaim the gospel.