The Role of Deacon

 Home Page Mass and Sacrament Schedules Journeying Through the Bible Annunciation History and Administration Baptizing at Annunciation Marriage at Annunciation Sacrament of Healing at Annunciation Parish Photo Album Who Are the PNCC The Organization of the PNCC Beliefs of the PNCC 11 Great Priniciples of the PNCC Theological Statement on the Mother of God Hymn of the PNCC Deacons in the PNCC The Deacon's role at Holy Mass Journeying Together - PNCC and RC Dialogue Declaration of Utrecht Call to Faithfulness Sacramentum  Caritatis Summary of Sacramentum Caritatis LItany of the Saints Novena to the Sacred Heart Prayers Worth Praying Quotes Declaration on Human Rights Favorite Links Legal Notice

 

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