Deacons and Mass/‘Catholic Calisthenics’

Q  If a deacon can perform a wedding ceremony, why can’t a deacon celebrate a Mass?

A During a marriage ceremony, the actual ministers of the sacrament of matrimony are the couple being married.  This is the only sacrament where the participants are the ministers of the sacrament.  The expression of their mutual consent (their marriage vows) actually make the marriage.  The priest or deacon celebrating the marriage ceremony only acts as witness to the marriage.  Canon law 1108 says that when at least one party is Catholic, a marriage is valid when contracted before the bishop, or the pastor of the parish, or a priest or deacon (with proper delegation) and before two witnesses.  A deacon, therefore, can validly officiate at a Catholic marriage ceremony, as long as he has been delegated to do so by the pastor.

Canon Law specifically limits the celebration of Mass to an ordained priest; priests are the only ones that can consecrate the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.  Canon Law states “The minister who is able to confect the sacrament of the Eucharist (the Mass) in the person of Christ is a validly ordained priest alone.”

So, you might ask yourself, what other sacraments can a deacon do?  The only other sacrament a deacon can perform is baptism.  The deacon is an ordinary minister of this sacrament.  In other words, it is part of his normal duties, in ordinary and non-emergency situations.  As mentioned above, only an ordained priest can celebrate the holy Eucharist.  The sacraments of reconciliation and anointing of the sick are also limited to priests.  The ordinary minister of the sacrament of confirmation is a bishop; in certain situations a priest can validly celebrate this sacrament.  Only a bishop can confer the sacrament of Holy Orders.  Of course, a bishop can do anything that a priest can do. 

Deacons also have other duties, including proclaiming the Gospel and preaching at Mass, presiding at funerals and blessing many religious items. 

If you want to learn more about what a deacon can do, google “What can (and can’t) a deacon do? – Canon Law Made Easy.”

Q  Why do Catholics change position in the pews so often during Mass?

A Some refer to this as “Catholic calisthenics” – sit, stand, kneel, sit, kneel, etc., etc.  Good exercise???  Maybe but that is not why we do this; there are reasons for each posture we take during Mass.  Each position helps us get into a different mindset, depending on the part of the Mass.  

Standing (We stand seven times, including the entrance procession, the Gospel, distribution of Communion and the final procession): This indicates our active role; it honors the presence of Christ and is a sign of reverence and prayer.  

Sitting (We sit four times, including, the first part of the Liturgy of the Word, the homily, the presentation and preparation of the gifts): This is a posture of learning, a receptive mode to listen to God speaking to us.

Kneeling (We kneel three times – the Eucharistic Prayer, the invitation to Communion and private prayer or singing after Communion).  This is a posture of worship and humility; we are in the presence of God, and it reflects our reverence and devotion to him.

Our posture should complement our praise and adoration of our Lord.

Deacon Hooper is a deacon assistant at Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs. He can be reached at [email protected].