My dear Parishioners,
Peace! While the “Year for Priests” has ended it is still timely to go over the various In Brief passages in the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding Holy Orders. We will then resume with Article Two (2) of the Creed. There are eleven (11) of these passages which will help us to appreciate this sign of grace entrusted to the Church by Christ Himself, the Great High Priest. The following is a reflection on article 1596.
One of the good fruits of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) was the restoration of the Deaconate in such a way that it was no longer just a transitional step towards Holy Priesthood.
One misnomer I have heard is to refer to the Deacons as “lay deacons.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Those men who have been made Deacons, have been ordained and are in law and in fact clerics, sacred ministers of Mother Church. While Deacons (like Priests) do not enjoy the fullness of Holy Orders as the Bishops do, unlike Bishops and Priests, Deacons are not ministerial nor hierarchical Priests. Deacons do not Anoint the Sick or Absolve the repentant in Confession. Likewise Deacons do not offer the Eucharistic Sacrifice even though their assistance to the Bishops and Priests at the Altar allows for a fuller expression of the mystery of the Church.
There are four (4) aspects of service are highlighted by the Catechism when treating the ministry of Deacons: Word, Cult, Government, and Charity.
Even if the Pope or a Cardinal or a Bishop were at a Mass none of them would proclaim the Holy Gospel if there was a Deacon present. The proclamation of the Gospel is a special role fulfilled by Deacons. Similarly, when given faculties by the Bishop they may also preach during the various sacred liturgies. The proclamation of the Word of God is not limited to the Holy Mass and Deacons likewise fulfill this aspect of their ministry even in giving instruction, teaching the Faith to any and to all.
By the distribution of the Precious Blood and intoning various parts of the Sacred Liturgy, including the Prayers of the Faithful, the invitation to offer the Peace of Christ, to stand and to kneel, as well as the giving of certain blessings, Deacons fulfill their ministry of Divine Cult or Worship. The solemn leading of Eucharistic Exposition, Adoration and Benediction, the Liturgy of the Hours, Baptism and Marriage are likewise all a part of a Deacon’s ministry.
Like Priests, Deacons may, with and under the direction of the Bishop, exercise governance in the Church and perform works of charity. Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr is perhaps the most famous for both governance and charity, both in caring for the collection(s) in Rome and dispersing alms to the needy poor.
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr