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What is the Service of Holy Communion by a Deacon The service of Holy Communion by a Deacon is a liturgy in which the deacon administers communion to a congregation from the reserved sacrament. Known commonly as a "Deacon's Mass," the service became popular in the Episcopal Church in the 1950s and 1960s. Because the 1928 Book of Common Prayer did not provide for this service, many deacons made up their own liturgies. The 1979 BCP is the first Prayer Book to provide for such a service. An outline for the service is included in the Additional Directions for the Celebration of the Eucharist ( BCP , p. 408). The directions make clear that the service is not one of the ordinary liturgies of the church, since its use is limited to occasions "when the services of a priest cannot be obtained." Other preferred titles, suggested by liturgical scholar Howard E. Galley, are "Liturgy of the Presanctified" and "Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion." The service may be used only when a priest is unavailable and when the bishop authorizes it. Even if a priest is unavailable, the authorization is entirely in the bishop's discretion. We are so blessed not only to have our newly ordained Deacon, The Rev. Sheila Shuford as a minister of the gospel in our midst, but also to share with her in an expression of liturgical ministry which is a rare occasion in the life of the church. Our thanks to our Bishop Diocesan, The Rt. Rev. John P. Croneberger, for his generous permission. |
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Updated:
May 2, 2007
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Created: 08/17/06 |