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

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National Directory for Permanent Deacons

by all God’s children. In the deacon’s liturgical ministry, as in a mir ror, the Church sees a reflection of her own diaconal character and is reminded of her mission to serve as Jesus did. Pope Francis said during the 2016 Jubilee of Deacons: “when you serve at the table of the Eucha rist, there you will find the presence of Jesus, who gives himself to you so that you can give yourselves to others.” 33 36 In the context of the Church’s public worship, because of its centrality in the life of the believing community, the ministry of the deacon in the threefold diakonia of the word, of the liturgy, and of charity is uniquely concentrated and integrated. “The diaconate is conferred through a spe cial outpouring of the Spirit (ordination), which brings about in the one who receives it a specific conformation to Christ, Lord and servant of all.” 34 “Strengthened by sacramental grace, they are dedicated to the people of God, in conjunction with the diocesan bishop and his body of priests, in a service of the liturgy of the word and of charity.” 35 37 During the celebration of the eucharistic liturgy, the deacon participates in specific penitential rites as designated in the Roman Missal . He prop erly proclaims the Gospel. He may preach the homily in accord with the provisions of canon law. 36 He voices the needs of the people in the Uni versal Prayer, needs with which he should have a particular and personal familiarity from the circumstances of his ministry of charity. The deacon assists the presider and other ministers in accepting the offerings of the people — symbolic of his traditional role in receiving and distributing the resources of the community among those in need — and he helps to prepare the gifts for sacrifice. During the celebration he helps the faith ful participate more fully, consciously, and actively in the eucharistic sacrifice, 37 may extend the invitation of peace, and serves as an ordinary

33 34 35

Pope Francis, Homily for the Jubilee of Deacons.

BNFPD, no. 5.

LG, no. 29, cited in PDO.

36 “Among the forms of preaching, the homily, which is part of the liturgy itself . . . is reserved to a priest or deacon.” CIC, c. 767 §1. See also General Instruction of the Roman Missal , no. 66. 37 SC, no. 14.

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