{"id":216255,"date":"2025-06-07T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-07T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.fundacioncarf.org\/?p=216255"},"modified":"2025-06-11T11:00:13","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T09:00:13","slug":"diferencias-entre-diacono-y-sacerdote","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/en\/diferencias-entre-diacono-y-sacerdote\/","title":{"rendered":"Deacon: how is he different from a priest?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a deacon?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The word deacon comes from Greek <em>diakonos<\/em>which 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/diacono-ayuda-sacerdote-ministerios-fundacion-carf.webp\" alt=\"Sacerdote junto a un di\u00e1cono y seminaristas de Bidasoa celebrando la Exposici\u00f3n al Sant\u00edsimo\" class=\"wp-image-216262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/diacono-ayuda-sacerdote-ministerios-fundacion-carf.webp 800w, https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/diacono-ayuda-sacerdote-ministerios-fundacion-carf-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/diacono-ayuda-sacerdote-ministerios-fundacion-carf-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/diacono-ayuda-sacerdote-ministerios-fundacion-carf-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/diacono-ayuda-sacerdote-ministerios-fundacion-carf-18x12.webp 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What functions does it perform?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Deacons are called primarily to service. Their threefold mission can be summarized in three areas: <strong>Word, Liturgy and Charity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Service of the Word<\/strong><br>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Service of the Liturgy<\/strong><br>Although a deacon cannot consecrate the Eucharist, he can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Assist the priest in the celebration of the Mass.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Administer the sacrament of Baptism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Presiding at marriages (when there is no priest).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Presiding at funerals without Mass.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expose the Blessed Sacrament for adoration and give the blessing with Him (although he may not perform the consecration or solemn blessing).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Charity Service<\/strong><br>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" src=\"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Ygor-1.webp\" alt=\"Diacono vestido con el alba blanca con las manos en posici\u00f3n de rezar\" class=\"wp-image-215558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Ygor-1.webp 800w, https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Ygor-1-300x199.webp 300w, https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Ygor-1-150x99.webp 150w, https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Ygor-1-768x509.webp 768w, https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Ygor-1-18x12.webp 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the difference between the two?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table alignleft\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Appearance<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Deacon<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Priest<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Degree of order<\/strong><\/td><td>First degree of the sacred order<\/td><td>Second degree of the sacred order<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration of the Mass<\/strong><\/td><td>May not consecrate or preside at the Eucharist.<\/td><td>Can celebrate Mass and consecrate the Eucharist<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Confession and Anointing<\/strong><\/td><td>Cannot administer these sacraments<\/td><td>Can administer Confession and Anointing of the Sick<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Preaching<\/strong><\/td><td>Can proclaim the Gospel and preach <\/td><td>Can preach on a regular basis<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Life status<\/strong><\/td><td>May be married, if permanent; celibate, if transitory<\/td><td>Always celibate in the Latin rite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Subsequent ordination<\/strong><\/td><td>Can be ordered if transient<\/td><td>He has already received the priesthood, no higher ordination except episcopate.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can they get married?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The answer depends on the type:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Permanent deacon:<\/strong> is one who has been ordained with the intention of remaining in that ministry, without aspiring to the priesthood. In this case: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Yes, you can be married<\/strong>but must do so <strong>before being ordained<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If it is <strong>unmarried at the time of ordination<\/strong>must assume the commitment of celibacy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If his wife dies after ordination, he cannot remarry (unless special dispensation is granted by the Pope).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Transitory Deacon:<\/strong> is a seminarian who has received the diaconate as a preliminary step to the priesthood. In this case:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Must observe celibacy<\/strong>as he is on his way to the priesthood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>His diaconate usually lasts a few months before he is ordained a priest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In summary: <strong>a married deacon cannot be a priest<\/strong> (at least in the Latin rite), and a celibate seminarian cannot marry after being ordained deacon.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"610\" height=\"440\" src=\"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Don-Evarist-Guzuye-tanzania.png\" alt=\"Sacerdote celebrando la Eucarist\u00eda\" class=\"wp-image-173551\" style=\"width:776px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Don-Evarist-Guzuye-tanzania.png 610w, https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Don-Evarist-Guzuye-tanzania-600x433.png 600w, https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Don-Evarist-Guzuye-tanzania-300x216.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Celebrating Holy Mass in Tanzania.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can they celebrate Holy Mass?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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, <strong>are unable to celebrate the Eucharist on their own<\/strong>since <strong>do not have the power to consecrate<\/strong> bread and wine. That power is reserved to priests and bishops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, <strong>does not \"celebrate Mass\".<\/strong> in the strict sense. He can preside at liturgical celebrations without Eucharist, such as liturgies of the Word, funeral services, baptisms and marriages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why are they important in the Church?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Humberto-1024x678.webp\" alt=\"Dos seminaristas vestidos con el alba de di\u00e1cono preparados para asisitir en una celebraci\u00f3n lit\u00fargica\" class=\"wp-image-215521\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Humberto-1024x678.webp 1024w, https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Humberto-300x199.webp 300w, https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Humberto-150x99.webp 150w, https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Humberto-768x508.webp 768w, https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Humberto-18x12.webp 18w, https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Humberto.webp 1067w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your training and the role of the CARF Foundation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both permanent and transitory <a href=\"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/formacion-de-sacerdotes\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/formacion-de-sacerdotes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">need solid training<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CARF Foundation collaborates with their training at centers such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/es.pusc.it\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/es.pusc.it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pontifical University of the Holy Cross<\/a> in Rome and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unav.edu\/web\/facultad-de-teologia\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.unav.edu\/web\/facultad-de-teologia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarre<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bibliography<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/archive\/catechism_sp\/index_sp.html\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/archive\/catechism_sp\/index_sp.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Catechism of the Catholic Church<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/archive\/cod-iuris-canonici\/cic_index_sp.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/archive\/cod-iuris-canonici\/cic_index_sp.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Code of Canon Law<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/archive\/hist_councils\/ii_vatican_council\/documents\/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_sp.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vatican Council II - Constitution <em>Lumen Gentium<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/archive\/compendium_ccc\/documents\/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_sp.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/archive\/compendium_ccc\/documents\/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_sp.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/roman_curia\/congregations\/ccatheduc\/documents\/rc_con_ccatheduc_doc_31031998_directorium-diaconi_sp.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\"Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons\" - Congregation for Catholic Education and the Clergy (1998).<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/es.catholic.net\/op\/articulos\/65449\/cat\/359\/el-ministerio-del-diacono.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Catholic.net - The Ministry of the Deacon<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We usually think of the priest when we speak of vocation and ministry. But in the Catholic Church, there is a lesser-known degree of holy orders: the deacon, who fulfills an essential mission within the People of God. <\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":216260,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"give_campaign_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[149,191,120],"class_list":["post-216255","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-diacono","tag-formacion","tag-sacerdote"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/216255","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=216255"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/216255\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":216428,"href":"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/216255\/revisions\/216428"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/216260"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=216255"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=216255"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=216255"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}