Deacons and the Solemn High Mass

(Several faces should be familiar to us from this photo of ordained deacons at St. Teresa of Avila in 2010. Ones we've encountered include Deacons Richard Ramm, Joe Bell, and Russ Bergin. Photo: Northern Nevada Catholic.)

National Catholic Register writer Kevin DiCamillo reminds us that it is impossible to have an Extraordinary Form Solemn High Mass without a deacon, although a Missa Cantata High Mass does not require one. Pontifical Solemn High Masses also require a bishop. DiCamillo goes on to ask why so few permanent deacons partake of the EF Solemn High Masses, an obviously good question. Note, however, that a priest can function in the role of a deacon for such a Mass, as Fr. Francisco did for Fr. Timothy O'Brien last year.

This article dovetails nicely with Deacon Joe Bell's talk on the role of the deacon that he gave at our September 2013 Gregorian Chant Class.

Sandy and I had the honor of having Deacon George Evans--my uncle--officiate when we gave each other the Sacrament of Matrimony in 1995; he was one of the first ordained permanent deacons in the nation. He is pictured here (left) with Fr. Curtis Delarm who said our Mass; Fr. Delarm sadly passed away from ALS in 2005 at age 41. Requiescat in pace.