1) To assist the bishop and the priest during liturgical actions in all things which the rituals of the
different orders assign to him;
2) To administer baptism solemnly and to supply the ceremonies which may have been omitted
when conferring it on children or adults;
3) To reserve the Eucharist and to distribute it to himself and to others, to bring it as a Viaticum
to the dying and to impart to the people benediction with the Blessed Sacrament with the sacred
ciborium;
4) In the absence of a priest, to assist at and to bless marriages in the name of the Church by
delegation from the bishop or pastor, observing the rest of the requirements which are in the
Code of Canon Law (8), with Canon 1098 remaining firm and where what is said in regard to the
priest is also to be understood in regard to the deacon;
5) To administer sacramentals and to officiate at funeral and burial services;
6) To read the sacred books of Scripture to the faithful and to instruct and exhort the people;
7) To preside at the worship and prayers of the people when a priest is not present;
8) To direct the liturgy of the word, particularly in the absence of a priest;
9) To carry out, in the name of the hierarchy, the duties of charity and of administration as well
as works of social assistance;
10) To guide legitimately, in the name of the parish priest and of the bishop, remote Christian
communities;
11) To promote and sustain the apostolic activities of laymen.
Further, the task of forming and educating deacons will be left to regional episcopates as long as
these programs see to it that all deacons:
1 ) devote themselves assiduously to reading and meditating on the word of God;
2) frequently, and if possible every day, participate actively in the sacrifice of the Mass, receive
the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist and devoutly visit the Sacrament;
3) purify their souls frequently with the sacrament of Penance and, for the purpose of receiving it
worthily, examine their conscience each day;
4) venerate and love the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God with fervent devotion.
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