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114 Lancelot Dr. Franklin, IN 46131
(317) 738-3929

Shepard Me, O God
Sung by a St. Rose parishioner

                                                                  The Deacon’s Service at the Altar
The best place to see the interrelationship of the deacon’s three ministries is at the celebration of the Eucharist. The deacon exercisesthe ministry of the Word by proclaiming the Gospel and may preach, though the priest celebrant “ordinarily” gives the homily. After the homily and Creed, the deacon leads the general intercessions, drawing on his ministry of charity to express particular needs in the localcommunity. Then he helps prepare the altar and assists the priest in receiving the gifts, expressing the ministry of liturgy as well as the ministry of charity when he distributes some of the resources in aiding the poor. Throughout the liturgy, the deacon’s ministry of charity that is usually not seen by the community is evident in his service at the altar. By his presence at the altar, the deacon links those whom he serves who cannot join the assembly with the assembly. Recognizing the symbolic aspect of his service at the altar is a valuable way to understand that the deacon’s activities are quite different from a regular server’s. A deacon’s service at the Eucharist has meaning far beyond what he does.