What is a deacon, what functions does he perform and how does he differ from a priest. We are going to explain it to you, and also answer some frequently asked questions: can they marry, do they celebrate Mass, are there different types? Read on to find out.
The word deacon comes from Greek diakonoswhich means "served" or "minister". In the Catholic Church, the diaconate is the first degree of the sacrament of Holy Orders, followed by the presbyterate (priests) and the episcopate (bishops). It is therefore an ordained minister, called to serve the people of God in the proclamation of the Word, the celebration of certain sacraments and charity.
The diaconate is not a modern invention. Already in the New Testament, specifically in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 6:1-6), it is narrated how the Apostles chose seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to be in charge of assisting widows and other tasks of service. Among them was St. Stephen, the first martyr of the Church.
Deacons are called primarily to service. Their threefold mission can be summarized in three areas: Word, Liturgy and Charity.
Service of the Word
They may proclaim the Gospel at Mass, preach the homily (if authorized by the presiding priest) and teach Christian doctrine. Many collaborate in catechetical formation, evangelization and accompaniment of Christian communities.
Service of the Liturgy
Although a deacon cannot consecrate the Eucharist, he can:
Charity Service
They are especially responsible for animating charity in their communities. They visit the sick, help the poor, accompany the marginalized, promote social works and collaborate with Caritas or other institutions. This charitable dimension is deeply linked to their apostolic roots.
Although both the deacon and the priest have received the sacrament of Holy Orders, their functions, liturgical capacities and place in the ecclesial hierarchy are different.
| Appearance | Deacon | Priest |
| Degree of order | First degree of the sacred order | Second degree of the sacred order |
| Celebration of the Mass | May not consecrate or preside at the Eucharist. | Can celebrate Mass and consecrate the Eucharist |
| Confession and Anointing | Cannot administer these sacraments | Can administer Confession and Anointing of the Sick |
| Preaching | Can proclaim the Gospel and preach | Can preach on a regular basis |
| Life status | May be married, if permanent; celibate, if transitory | Always celibate in the Latin rite |
| Subsequent ordination | Can be ordered if transient | He has already received the priesthood, no higher ordination except episcopate. |
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The answer depends on the type:
Permanent deacon: is one who has been ordained with the intention of remaining in that ministry, without aspiring to the priesthood. In this case:
Transitory Deacon: is a seminarian who has received the diaconate as a preliminary step to the priesthood. In this case:
In summary: a married deacon cannot be a priest (at least in the Latin rite), and a celibate seminarian cannot marry after being ordained deacon.
No. Although they participate in the Mass and have a visible liturgical role-for example, they proclaim the Gospel, elevate the chalice, give peace and communion, are unable to celebrate the Eucharist on their ownsince do not have the power to consecrate bread and wine. That power is reserved to priests and bishops.
Therefore, does not "celebrate Mass". in the strict sense. He can preside at liturgical celebrations without Eucharist, such as liturgies of the Word, funeral services, baptisms and marriages.
They remind the entire Christian community that the fundamental vocation of the Church is service. They embody the example of Christ who "came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mt 20:28).
Especially in contexts where there is a shortage of priests, the presence of well-formed deacons is a great pastoral support. Moreover, their closeness to the concrete realities of the people - family, work, society - allows them to be effective bridges between the Church and the world.
Both permanent and transitory need solid training in theology, spirituality and pastoral care. In the case of future priests, the transitional diaconate is a key stage that marks the end of their seminary preparation.
The CARF Foundation collaborates with their training at centers such as the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome and the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarre in Pamplona, among other institutions. Thanks to the benefactors, many seminarians from all over the world are able to prepare themselves adequately to exercise their ministry with fidelity, joy and dedication.
The diaconate is a precious ministry that enriches the life of the Church. They are not "half-priests," but ordained ministers with their own identity and mission: to serve the Word, the Liturgy and Charity. Some are on the way to the priesthood; others, like the permanent priests, are a living sign of Christ's service in the midst of the world.
From the CARF Foundation, we thank everyone for their generous dedication and encourage our benefactors to continue supporting the formation of vocations at all levels. Because a Church with well-formed servants is a Church that is more alive, holier and closer.
