Deacon's Customary - The Episcopal Diocese of Central New York

4. The Deacon and the WorldThe deacon, in addition to being a messenger of servanthood, interprets the needs andconcerns of the world to the institutional Church. It is appropriate for the parish to have acommittee to work closely with the deacon on outreach ministry. The deacon works withthe outreach committee and the vestry to make decisions about outreach funds. If thedeacon is given a discretionary fund it is to be audited annually.5. The Deacon Speaking to the ChurchBecause the deacon brings the concerns and needs of the world to the attention of theinstitutional Church, the deacon is expected to have a voice in all decision making bodiesin the diocese and in the parishes and missions of the Diocese. The deacons offerprophetic voices wherever the Church makes decisions.6. The Deacon in the LiturgyDeacons function in roles appropriate to the order at all diocesan liturgies and thoseplanning such diocesan liturgies will include deacons in their appropriate roles.All clergy are to be knowledgeable in and observant of the Canons of The EpiscopalChurch. The rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer, the Canons, and the DiocesanBishop‘s expectations, will guide the liturgical functioning of the deacon at the diocesanand local parish level. The supervising priest will be expected to encourage the deacon tofunction in those roles specific to the diaconal order.The deacon is to emphasize the place of the Gospel in the liturgy. The deacon may carrythe Gospel Book in procession, place it in a prominent place, and read the Gospel at theappropriate time.The deacon is to bring the needs of the world to the Church. Therefore, the deacon isresponsible for the Prayers of the People and issues the invitation to the Confession of Sin.During the prayers, the deacon encourages the people to participate and to bring the needsof which they are aware of to the attention of the worshiping community.When using Rite I, it is appropriate for the deacon to read the Comfortable Words and theSummary of the Law.As the principal minister of the chalice, it is appropriate that the deacon distributes wine,assisted by additional chalice bearers when necessary. The deacon may also distribute thebread.The deacon carries the Paschal candle in procession at the Easter Vigil and for Baptismsand funerals. If trained and able, the deacon sings the Exsultet at the Easter Vigil.4