The National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and the Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States (Ascension)

NDPD 32

National Directory for Permanent Deacons

is in need of a “new evangelization which demands a greater and more generous effort on the part of [all] ordained ministers.” 25 This is especially an opportunity and obligation for deacons in their secular professions to boldly proclaim and witness to the Gospel of life. 32 In the restoration of the rank of the deacon, the Fathers of the Second Vat ican Council described the threefold ministry of deacons: “strengthened by sacramental grace, they are dedicated to the People of God . . . in the service ( diakonia ) of the liturgy, of the Gospel and of works of charity.” 26

[The deacon] is called to proclaim the Scriptures and instruct and exhort the people. This finds expression in the presentation of the Book of the Gospels, foreseen in the rite of ordination itself. . . . [He is called to] the solemn administration of baptism, in the custody and distribution of the Eucharist, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in presiding at the rites of funeral and burial and in the administration of sacramentals. . . . [Finally, he is called to] dedication to works of charity and assistance and in the direction of communities or sectors of church life. 27

V. THE CHURCH’S MINISTRY OF WORD: THE DEACON AS EVANGELIZER AND TEACHER 33 The deacon participates as an evangelizer and teacher in the Church’s mission of heralding the Word. In the Liturgy of the Word, especially in the Eucharist or in other liturgies, the deacon proclaims the Gospel. He may preach by virtue of ordination and in accord with the require ments of canon law. 28 Other forms of the deacon’s participation in the Church’s ministry of the Word include catechetical instruction; religious

25 26 27

DMLPD, no. 26. See BNFPD, no. 7. BNFPD, no. 9.

28 CIC, c. 764: “Without prejudice to the prescript of can. 765, presbyters and deacons possess the faculty of preaching everywhere; this faculty is to be exercised with at least the presumed consent of the rector of the church, unless the competent authority has restricted or taken away the faculty or particular law requires express permission.”

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