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Simple English definitions for legal terms
deacon
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A quick definition of deacon:
Deacon: A person who helps a priest in a church. They can do many things to help, but they are not allowed to do some of the most important things like giving communion or forgiving sins. They are like an assistant to the priest.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A deacon is a member of the clerical order who assists the priest in various duties, including the presentation of the sacrament. In certain churches, it is the third order of the Church of England below bishops and priests. A deacon is not allowed to consecrate the Holy Communion or pronounce absolution but can perform most of the other priestly duties. Additionally, a deacon can be an elected or appointed officer of a church who assists a minister or priest in various duties.
- In the Catholic Church, a deacon may assist the priest during Mass by reading the Gospel, preaching, and distributing Holy Communion.
- In the Anglican Church, a deacon may assist the priest during services and perform baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
- A deacon in a Baptist church may assist the pastor in various duties, such as visiting the sick and elderly, leading prayer meetings, and teaching Bible studies.
These examples illustrate how a deacon can assist a priest or minister in various duties within different denominations of Christianity.