What is the responsibility of a Deacon?

[THurifer2]

Do you feel that deacons are necessary, and why is the RCC ordaining deacons now, instead of in the past? I enjoyed his homily very much–but just wonder what others’ views on it is.

Yes, since I am entering into formation in the fall I am slighyly biased that the church need them.

The church has had deacons for 2000 years. In fact every priest you know is a deacon too.

St. Stephen (the one in the bible) was the first mentioned deacon.

 

[Brendan]

Yes, since I am entering into formation in the fall I am slighyly biased that the church need them.

Fantastic. I was also in formation. I stepped back for a few years after the recent birth of our daughter.

St. Stephen (the one in the bible) was the first mentioned deacon.

St. Francis of Assisi was also a Deacon ( he was not a priest)
also, St. Patrick’s father was a Deacon.

From St. Patrick’s “Confessions”

I am Patrick, a sinner, most unlearned, the least of all the faithful, and utterly despised by many. My father was Calpornius, a deacon,

.

 

[Aramis]

Deacons may annoint; but they may not confer “annointing of the sick”.

There is a difference.

Annointing of the sick, as a whole sacrament, entails confession.

Simply annointing with oil is a seperate act which deacons can do.

Correct. I worded poorly.

 

[whatevergirl]

Yes, since I am entering into formation in the fall I am slighyly biased that the church need them.

The church has had deacons for 2000 years. In fact every priest you know is a deacon too.

St. Stephen (the one in the bible) was the first mentioned deacon.

Congrats to you on your decision, and may God richly bless you …and guide you. I am wondering…why wouldn’t the priesthood allow for men to marry…if they allow for Deacons? I mean…there are some vast Sacramental differences, as to what Deacons are allowed to do as opposed to what a priest has been ordained to do…but, just curious? Personally, I celebrate the celibacy of the priesthood and feel that it would be a bad thing (I can’t think of a better word, so forgive me ) if priests were marrying…but, I still wonder with the Deacons becoming more present at mass, etc…?

 

[Brendan]

Congrats to you on your decision, and may God richly bless you …and guide you. I am wondering…why wouldn’t the priesthood allow for men to marry…if they allow for Deacons? I mean…there are some vast Sacramental differences, as to what Deacons are allowed to do as opposed to what a priest has been ordained to do…but, just curious? Personally, I celebrate the celibacy of the priesthood and feel that it would be a bad thing (I can’t think of a better word, so forgive me ) if priests were marrying…but, I still wonder with the Deacons becoming more present at mass, etc…?

The Church allows married men to become Deacons, but like priests, once they are IN Holy Orders, they cannot get married.

So if a single man entered the Diaconate, he too could not marry.

If a married man entered the Diaconate, and his wife died, he could not remarry.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders prevents the Sacrament of Marriage.

This is true even in the Eastern Catholic Churches, and with the Eastern Orthodox. If the wife of an Eastern Catholic priest dies, he cannot remarry.

In the West, the bishops have been instructed not to Ordain married men, except under specific conditions. This is a matter of disclipline to which all Latin Catholics are bound.

 

[THurifer2]

If a married man entered the Diaconate, and his wife died, he could not remarry.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders prevents the Sacrament of Marriage.

.

THis is the case with one of our parish deacons. His wife died and he is to remain “unmarried” .

My wife is part of the formation process…in Fact she can give the thumbs down to eventual ordination. I know a man who was all set for the diaconate and his wife at the last minute got “cold feet” and put a kibosh on the whole thing. This of course is after much formation which includes the wife. It is a couple thing in my diocese.

Many people try to compare deacons to Priests in wondering why one can get married and the Other cannot…the problem is the call to the diaconate and the call to the priesthood are two completely seperate callings. Deacons are not half priests, or Mini priests. they are deacons which is a seperate calling to service of the altar and of the word.

Acceptance into the diaconate formation program may be even more difficult to get than the priesthood. For one only needs to examine the suitibility of the individual priest. But married candidates for diaconate must have two examinations…one for the aspirant and another one for his wife. Thats twice as many trips to the shrink than a priest.

 

[dylanschrader]

Deacons may annoint; but they may not confer “annointing of the sick”.

There is a difference.

Annointing of the sick, as a whole sacrament, entails confession.

Simply annointing with oil is a seperate act which deacons can do.

Anointing of the Sick and Penance are two separate sacraments. It does not make sense to say that Anointing of the Sick includes confession “as a whole sacrament.”

These two distinct sacraments do not have to be celebrated sequentially, but they may be according to Pastoral Care of the Sick and Dying.

ON CERTAIN QUESTIONS REGARDING THE COLLABORATION OF THE NON-ORDAINED FAITHFUL IN THE SACRED MINISTRY OF THE PRIEST says (Article 9):

In using sacramentals, the non-ordained faithful should ensure that these are in no way regarded as sacraments whose administration is proper and exclusive to the Bishop and to the priest. Since they are not priests, in no instance may the non-ordained perform anointings either with the Oil of the Sick or ony other oil.

§ 2. With regard to the administration of this sacrament, ecclesiastical legislation reiterates the theologically certain doctrine and the age old usage of the Church (103) which regards the priest as its only valid minister. (104) This norm is completely coherent with the theological mystery signified and realized by means of priestly service.

It must also be affirmed that the reservation of the ministry of Anointing to the priest is related to the connection of this sacrament to the forgiveness of sin and the worthy reception of the Holy Eucharist. No other person may act as ordinary or extraordinary minister of the sacrament since such constitutes simulation of the sacrament. (105)

While the document is referring to lay people in its context, the argument about non-sacramental anointings hinges on the fact that “they are not priests.” This includes deacons.

Therefore, it seems that deacons should not be performing non-sacramental anointings because of the confusion which could arise in the minds of the faithful.

 

[Brendan]

While the document is referring to lay people in its context, the argument about non-sacramental anointings hinges on the fact that “they are not priests.” This includes deacons.

Therefore, it seems that deacons should not be performing non-sacramental anointings because of the confusion which could arise in the minds of the faithful.

It’s more definitive than that

The Council of Trent has already declared that priests (and thus Bishops too) and are the only ministers of the Sacrament of Sacrament of Annointing.

Trent Session XIV Canon IV on Extreme Unction

CANON IV.–If any one saith, that the Presbyters of the Church, whom blessed James exhorts to be brought to anoint the sick, (James 5:14) are not the priests who have been ordained by a bishop, but the elders in each community, and that for this Cause a** priest alone** is not the proper minister of Extreme Unction; let him be anathema.

The CDF, (+Ratzinger) confirmed this recently and that it is to be held definitively

In canon 1003, paragraph 1 (Cf. also can. 739 paragraph 1 of the Code of Cannons of the Oriental Churches), the Code of Canon Law includes exactly the doctrine expressed by the Tridentine Council (Session XIV, can. 4: DS 1719; Cf. also the Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 1516), according to which only priests (bishops and presbyters) are ministers of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

This doctrine is “definitive tenenda”. Neither deacons nor lay persons therefore may exercise such ministry and any action in this connection is a simulation of the sacrament.

Rome, from the headquarters of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, February 11, 2005, in the Memoria of the Virgin of Lourdes.

• Joseph Card. Ratzinger, Prefect
• Angelo Amato, S.D.B.
  Titular Archbishop of Sila, Secretary

Deacons should not do any annoiting with oil as that would give the false impression that they are attempting a Sacrament they cannot minister.

 

[dylanschrader]

It’s more definitive than that

The Council of Trent has already declared that priests (and thus Bishops too) and are the only ministers of the Sacrament of Sacrament of Annointing.

The CDF, (+Ratzinger) confirmed this recently and that it is to be held definitively

Hopefully, there’s no question about that.

Deacons should not do any annoiting with oil as that would give the false impression that they are attempting a Sacrament they cannot minister.

This is what I’m trying to show since apparently there are some deacons doing some kind of “non-sacramental anointing.”

 

[Brendan]

Hopefully, there’s no question about that.

This is what I’m trying to show since apparently there are some deacons doing some kind of “non-sacramental anointing.”

I know

I was just providing even more ‘ammunition’

 

[dylanschrader]

I know

I was just providing even more ‘ammunition’

Well, definitive tenenda is pretty … definitive.

While I’ve never seen an “anointing” by a deacon as was described above, do you think that would be classified as a “simulation” of the sacrament of Anointing, or would it just be imprudent because of the confusion it could cause?

 

[Brendan]

Well, definitive tenenda is pretty … definitive.

While I’ve never seen an “anointing” by a deacon as was described above, do you think that would be classified as a “simulation” of the sacrament of Anointing, or would it just be imprudent because of the confusion it could cause?

If the deacon felt he was truely a Minister of the Sacrament and tried doing it, it would be a Simulation ( a grave event)

If he just was putting blessed oil on a sick person as a blessing, that would be imprudent as the person might assume they were recieving the Sacrament, or might be confused if they had or not.

So that is something a Deacon should just stay away from. Bless them with water if necessary, it would be the same blessing as if they used oil.

 

[Catholicdeacon]

All the times I’ve been to Mass with a deacon, it seems that the only thing they do that laypeople can’t is read the Gospel and give the homily.

Hello W!

We do more than this, we lead the penitential rite and are the ordinary to present the prayer of the faithful (Although a lector can do this to). Also (although not followed in the US) Deacons are in charge of the Sacred Vessels, meaning they are the ones that commingle (Mix the water and wine), as well as purify them after communion. Also  they serve as "Head Ushers" by telling the people when to "Proclaim the mystery of faith", exchange peace as well as indicate to the people that mass has ended, they could go in peace.

In His Peace

Deacon Harbey Santiago
Archdiocese of Baltimore

 

[Catholicdeacon]

ok…well, he did. I don’t want to cause a problem…I’ll see if he does this again at the next mass…maybe it was in error this time? I am new to this parish, so this is my first seeing this.

If it happens again–what would you do? anything?

Hello W!

 Deacons are ordained ministers, they are allowed to hold the chalice.

Deacon Harbey Santiago
Archdiocese of Baltimore

 

[ThuribleGuy45]

Today, at our new parish, a Deacon gave the homily. He also held up the wine alongside the priest who held up the Eucharist before Communion… and chanted what the priest typically chants along with him…‘in the unity of the Holy Spirit…all glory and honor is yours…’ Now, I think I have read that deacons cannot hear confessions, nor can they consecrate the host. Can they annoint the sick? Give last rights? Marry someone?

Do you feel that deacons are necessary, and why is the RCC ordaining deacons now, instead of in the past? I enjoyed his homily very much–but just wonder what others’ views on it is.

I would also hold that, as much of a great privilege and responsibility as liturgical ministry at Mass is for a deacon, in many ways it’s only the tip of the iceberg. The diaconate is a ministry of service, and while that includes liturgical and sometimes Sacramental service, most of the work of most deacons is “behind the scenes” – jail and hospital ministries, soup kitchens, nursing home services, and dozens of other things that make the Church visible to those in need. And hopefully, those experiences, together with time spent in prayer, study, and lectio divina, all feed a deacon’s ministry of the Word.

 

[whatevergirl]

You guys are amazing on here…I truly didn’t know this much about the purpose and direction of what a Deacon can be utilized for…how wonderful. Ok…I just wanted to know. I’m not used to having a Deacon at the church…so, your answers to my questions have been more than helpful. God bless you all.

 

[Catholicdeacon]

Deacons should not do any annoiting with oil as that would give the false impression that they are attempting a Sacrament they cannot minister.

Hello Brendan,

You are correct. One more thing that Deacons can do that people have not mentioned is give Viaticum to the dying.

Deacon Harbey Santiago

 

[Aramis]

It’s more definitive than that

The Council of Trent has already declared that priests (and thus Bishops too) and are the only ministers of the Sacrament of Sacrament of Annointing.

Note that Baptism also uses holy oils, and is specifically and traditionally a deaconal role.

The Rite of Batism makes clear in its rubrics that Deacons can, may, should, and if available must, annoint with Sacred Chrism, blessed by the Bishop. I’ll have to check dad’s copy for the imprimateur.

 

[angiegirl67]

Laypeople cannot hold the chalice during the doxology.

A deacon is not a layperson…they are ordained.

 

[Digitonomy]

In the West, the bishops have been instructed not to Ordain married men, except under specific conditions. This is a matter of disclipline to which all Latin Catholics are bound.

Are you referring only to ordination to the priesthood, or is ordination of married men to the diaconate also discouraged?

Aramis:

for more than 400 years, the Roman Rite almost always ordained men to the diaconate as a preparatory step for the priesthood.

When and why did the diaconate die out as a separate order, rather than as a merely preparatory order?