The Role of Deacon

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THE DIACONATE PROGRAM of the POLISH NATIONAL CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Diaconate Program of the PNCC divides the sacred work of a deacon into five basic ministries or categories under which all of the functions are listed. That fivefold diaconal ministry within the Church includes:

1–Sacramental 2–Liturgical 3–Caring 4–Teaching 5–Administrative

 

 

SACRAMENTAL MINISTRY

1—Preach the Word of God at Holy Mass, Penitential Services and other paraliturgical services

2—Baptize and provide instruction for godparents/sponsors and parents

3—Distribute Holy Communion during Holy Mass, to the sick and homebound, and at A Service of Worship and Holy Communion

4—Hold pre-marital classes and provide some marital counseling only if properly trained

 

 

LITURGICAL MINISTRY

5—Conduct worship services in the absence of a priest

6—Serve at Holy Mass and assist the priest

7—Assist the Bishop

8—Read the Gospel

9—Hold wake services (without absolution of the dead) and assist at funerals

10-Prepare the church and sanctuary before and after any liturgy

11-Help the choir prepare for any liturgical and paraliturgical services

12-Train lectors

13-Train altar servers

14-Bless homes during the Epiphany season and bless Easter food on Holy Saturday

 

 

CARING MINISTRY

15-Set a good example for others by confirming with deeds what is preached

16-Minister to the sick (without Anointing)

17-Minister to the youth

18-Minister to the aged

19-Minister to the troubled

20-Minister to the widows

21-Help with works of charity in the parish and in the local community

 

 

TEACHING MINISTRY

22-Teach religion to youth and/or adult groups

23-Teach First Holy Communion catechism

24-Teach Confirmation catechism

25-Teach School of Christian Living classes

26-Lead a Bible study

27-Speak with potential members

28-Instruct new members of the parish about the Church

29-Give presentations at parish, seniorate and diocesan events; conventions of church societies; youth retreats, etc.

 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS

30-Lead the faithful to God

31-Be the Bishop's advance person for Confirmations, diocesan Holy Masses, clergy funerals, special services, etc.

32-Assist in coordinating seniorate services and programs

33-Assist with the administrative matters of a parish

34-Serve at parishes on an as-needed basis

35-Assist with evangelism on parish, seniorate and diocesan levels

 

 

TRADITIONAL RESTRICTIONS

According to the historical tradition of the Church, certain functions cannot be performed by a deacon. A deacon:

1–Cannot offer Holy Mass

2–Cannot impart absolution

3–Cannot hear confession

4–Cannot anoint the sick

5–Cannot perform matrimony

6–Cannot do any functions a priest cannot do

7–Cannot consecrate things with Holy Oil

8–Cannot confirm anyone

9- Cannot ordain anyone