Legal Definitions - diaconus

Definition: A deacon, a member of the clerical order who assists the priest in various duties, including the presentation of the sacrament. In certain churches, it is the third order of the Church of England below bishops and priests. A deacon is not allowed to consecrate the Holy Communion or pronounce absolution but can perform most of the other priestly duties. It can also refer to an elected or appointed officer of a church who assists a minister or priest in various duties.

• In the Catholic Church, a deacon may assist the priest during Mass by reading the Gospel, preaching, and distributing Communion.
• John was ordained as a deacon in the Anglican Church and now assists the priest in various duties, such as visiting the sick and organizing charitable events.

These examples illustrate how a deacon can assist a priest in various duties within a church. They also show how the role of a deacon can differ between different denominations, such as the Catholic Church and the Anglican Church.