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The Ministries of the Deacon
Three general areas of diaconal ministry are distinguished: The Word, Liturgy, and Service.
The Ministry of the The Word of God
The diaconal ministry of The Word of God includes the proclaiming and preaching of the Gospel, catechetical instruction, and evangelization. Deacons have the opportunity and responsibility of witnessing to Jesus and his Gospel in the marketplace (at work) and in their marriage and family lives. The deacon's role in the world helps lead the Church to a richer and deeper appreciation of the faith by which it lives. (Guidelines #39).
The Ministry of the Liturgy
Vatican II teaches that the liturgy is the summit and source of the Church's life and activity. In addition to the deacon's roles of preaching, baptizing, witnessing marriages and other liturgical settings, the deacon is called upon to find in the Church's liturgy the life and grace that enables him to carry out the Ministries of the Word and Service.
The Ministry of Service
From the very beginning of the diaconate in apostolic times in the early church, diaconal ministry has been primarily that of service. The Guidelines #37 states, "deacons animate and promote the common service of the Church...the deacon is to inspire, promote, and help coordinate the service that the whole Church must undertake in imitation of Christ. He has a special responsibility to identify to the Church those who are in need and particularly those who are without power or voices at the margins of our society."
Finally, the Guidelines #43 emphasizes the integration of these ministries of a deacon: "When the deacon preaches or teaches, it is as one whose ministry and presence in the world have well acquainted him with the needs of the people. When he ministers at the altar, he brings those needs to the Church and to Jesus Christ. As he ministers to the needy in his day-to-day services, so also at the Eucharist he ministers the body of Christ to the People of God. And when he works for the needy, he does so as one who himself has both received and ministered the two-fold bread of the Word and of the Eucharist."
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