2007-07-08 14:45:42 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No.
The hierarchy of ordained ministers in the Catholic Church mirrors how Jesus and the Apostles set up the original Christian Church.
There are three levels of Holy Orders, Deacon, Priest, and Bishop.
Bishops are the Apostles of today. Each one leads a diocese. Special types of bishop are archbishop, cardinal, and pope (who leads the whole Church).
Priests are co-workers of the bishops and can lead a parish. A special title for a priest is monsignor. Priests are called presbyters in the Bible.
Deacons assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity.
With love in Christ.
2007-07-08 15:42:06 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Deacons are not priests. Deacons have much more limited authority and privileges than do priests.
Deacons are generally considered assistants to both the priest and the parish.
Deacons may typically officiate at baptisms and weddings, but may not administer any of the other sacraments.
Deacons may assist at Mass, but cannot act as the main celebrant/presider or consecrate the Holy Eucharist.
Deacons may be transitional .... holding the post temporarily while awaiting ordination to the priesthood, or permanent ... intending to remain a deacon forever.
2007-07-09 00:04:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, a Deacon is not a priest. They are ordained clergy though. The diaconate is the first level; it functions as the service ministry of Christ.
He can perform baptisms and witness marriages. He can read the gospel at and do the homily at Mass. He can preside at funerals. A deacon can be married.
But he cannot celebrate the Mass and consecrate the Host.
2007-07-08 21:57:21 · answer #3 · answered by Misty 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No. A deacon is ordained, but is lower than a priest. A deacon may be married, but must be married before he becomes a deacon. A deacon also has another job. You can also be a deacon as a seminarian on his way to the priesthood.
God Bless.
2007-07-08 21:56:37 · answer #4 · answered by papadego 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, a deacon is not allowed to forgive sins, anoint the sick, or consecrate the bread and wine at Mass. he can baptize people, give a homily at Mass and officiate at weddings, however.
A married man can be ordained as a permanent deacon.
2007-07-08 21:53:36 · answer #5 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No. He has been ordained to preside at funerals but not the masses and he may do weddings. He may not do confessions and Masses or anointing of the sick or Confirmation or Holy Orders (that's reserved for the bishops and above anyway)
2007-07-08 21:58:18 · answer #6 · answered by Midge 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋