The Deacon has a three fold ministry of Altar, Word, and Charity.
As Minister of the Altar, the Deacon assists the celebrant, gives religious instruction and is minister of the Chalice. The Deacon can baptize, bless marriages and officiate at funerals. The Deacon can expose the Blessed Sacrament and give benediction. He is an ordinary minister of Holy Communion who can give viaticum (the administration of Holy Communion to those about to die as food for the passage through death to eternal life).
As Minister of the Word, the Deacon proclaims the Gospel, preaches, and can be involved in coordinating and supporting all preparation programs for sacraments. Many deacons are catechists and Directors of Religious Education. As a member of the clergy, the Deacon is obliged to recite the Morning and Evening Prayers of the Church daily. He leads and preaches at the Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest.
As Minister of Charity, the Deacon has to be firmly rooted in the community in which he is serving. He should be committed to Justice, and Peace, and Charity issues and be informed about all matters relevant to those topics. The deacon is expected to pay particular attention in providing assistance to the needy. He has to be a leadership resource in involving his parish in building God’s Kingdom
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