Can A Deacon Carry Out The Sending Ritual?

According to canon law, priests or bishops can administer the sacrament of anointing of the sick, but deacons have the power to impart many types of blessings. A deacon can expose the Blessed Sacrament for Eucharistic adoration and bless the people with the monstrance. In the absence of the priest, a deacon may perform practically all of the rites foreseen in the ritual.

The focus of the assisting deacon is always on the action of the liturgy (Altar, Chair, etc.), unless the deacon is performing a function for the assembly (proclaiming the sacrament). The deacon should usually kneel for the consecration, silently hold up the chalice (not the paten) for the doxology, and always receive Communion from the priest.

In the Book of Blessings (U.S. adaptation), No. 1659, there is no difference in the sacramental sign or functions between priests and deacons. A deacon assists the priest outside of Mass when he administers the Sacrament of Baptism, brings Viaticum to the dying, presides for prayer services, officiates at wakes, funerals, and other religious ceremonies.

After the homily, the priest in charge of the catechumens’ initiation, or a deacon, a catechist, or a representative of the community, presents the catechumens using the Book of the Gospels. A deacon is an ordinary minister of the Eucharist and can validly officiate at a Catholic marriage ceremony, as long as they have been delegated to do so by the pastor.

After the homily, the priest in charge of the catechumens’ initiation, or a deacon, a catechist, or a representative of the community, hopes that they will be found ready to participate in the Rite of Election. The Book of the Elect will be signed at the Rite of Election, and the rite must be rehearsed with the presiding priest or deacon, sponsors, acolytes, the music director/cantor, and any other assistants who will be present.