Sem.

Carmelo Ignacio Diaconate Class

SCS Class of St. Leopold Mandic Rev. Msgr. Joseph Capinpin, PC

THE AREAS OF SERVICE OF A DEACON

The Catholic Church defines three main areas of service of the diaconate: first, the
ministry of the word; second, the ministry of the liturgy; and third, the ministry of charity.

Ministry of the Word – The Deacon is the herald and the proclaimer of the Gospel in the
Eucharistic Celebration. A Deacon is not just proclaiming the Good News at Mass but in
everyday life. All of us do the same but Deacons do it as part of their duty in the Holy
Orders.

Ministry of the Liturgy – A Deacon, aside from reading the Gospel, assists in the Mass
as the most visible sign of his ministry. Deacons may baptize infants, witness marriages
and preside funerals outside of Mass.

Ministry of Charity – The Eucharist is the summit and source of our faith (cf. SC 10).
Deacons do not remain in the four corners of the Parish or Cathedral 24/7. Deacons may
minister to various needs like in prisons, hospitals, and communities as part of their
pastoral work.