Which statement best describes a deacon?

Which statement best describes a deacon?

• A. A bishop's assistant
• B. A priest who can celebrate the Eucharist
• C. An ordained minister in Holy Orders serving in various ministries, permanent or transitional
• D. A lay catechist

Answer: (C)

Deacons are ordained ministers in Holy Orders who serve the Church in various ways, either as permanent deacons or as transitional deacons preparing for priesthood. Being ordained means they’re officially set apart to help in the Church’s work under a bishop’s authority. A deacon’s role centers on service: they assist bishops and priests in liturgical celebrations, proclaim the Gospel, may preach, and help with the distribution of communion. They also assist with certain sacraments like baptism and can take on ministries of charity and service to the community. They are not the priest who can celebrate the Eucharist as the main celebrant, and they are not lay people like catechists. The distinction between permanent and transitional highlights that some deacons are on the path to priesthood, while others remain deacons for life.

Deacons are ordained ministers in Holy Orders who serve the Church in various ways, either as permanent deacons or as transitional deacons preparing for priesthood. Being ordained means they’re officially set apart to help in the Church’s work under a bishop’s authority. A deacon’s role centers on service: they assist bishops and priests in liturgical celebrations, proclaim the Gospel, may preach, and help with the distribution of communion. They also assist with certain sacraments like baptism and can take on ministries of charity and service to the community. They are not the priest who can celebrate the Eucharist as the main celebrant, and they are not lay people like catechists. The distinction between permanent and transitional highlights that some deacons are on the path to priesthood, while others remain deacons for life.