Quite a number of people have inquired of me as to what a Deacon does and doesn't do. So here goes:

At Mass, the deacon proclaims the Gospel, preaches the homily (if required), assists the priest/bishop at the altar, holds the cup of the Precious Blood, and serves as an ordinary minister of Holy Communion.

The deacon presides at the liturgy (Communion Service) if a priest is not available.

The deacon is to be a custodian and dispenser of the Eucharist.

The deacon administers the sacrament of baptism.

The deacon gives instructions and exhortations on the Catholic faith in various contexts.

The deacon leads the Liturgy of the Hours.

The deacon exposes the Blessed Sacrament and imparts the Benediction in the absence of a priest.

The deacon assists at and blesses marriages.

The deacon officiates at funeral and burial services.

The deacon brings Viaticum to the dying.

The deacon blesses people, houses, cars, water, and all sorts of religious articles (except what is forbidden in the Book of Blessings 1989).

The deacon attends to the needs of the poor and to issues of justice and peace on behalf of the Bishop.

The deacon fulfills administrative responsibilities in the Diocese or in Parishes as instructed by the Bishop.

The deacon does not consecrate, and therefore does not celebrate the Mass.

The deacon does not give absolution, and therefore does not hear confessions.

The deacon does not anoint the sick.