Deacon School for Ministry

Liturgy Competencies

Goal: This introduction to the Deacon in Liturgy will inform and prepare the Candidate to serve in a parish setting or any setting where s/he is required to act in a liturgical fashion according to the Canons of our church and the rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer. The Candidate will demonstrate

~ an understanding of the role of the Deacon in a variety of liturgical settings.

~ facility with The Book of Common Prayer, Lesser Feasts and Fasts,

Book of Occasional Services, Enriching Our Worship, Hymnal 1982, and

other appropriate resources.

~ an ability to choose the appropriate lessons and collects for the service they

are to take part in or lead.

~ the ability to identify the ministries of Priests, Bishops and Deacons and

the Laity and their appropriate roles in liturgy.

~ skills in public reading – tone of voice, demeanor while reading and

overall attitude of reverence while serving at the Altar.

~ knowledge of the various vestments , vessels & linens of the Altar.

Methodology: The information for this session will be delivered using a combination of readings, lecture, exercises and demonstration of proficiency in the different areas.

Requirements: To successfully complete this block of instruction, the Candidate/Postulant will:

1) Prepare the Altar Missal for Rite I and Rite II Eucharist, including Proper Preface, Eucharistic Prayer and Prayers of Thanksgiving.

2) Be able to articulate the differences between Rites I and II.

3) Be able to accurately name each vestment, vessel & linen used at the Altar.

4) Prepare the Altar vessels for Eucharist.

5) Respond appropriately to “what if” questions. These questions will be related to the various ways things can “go wrong” around the Altar & the means to correct or minimize.

6) Demonstrate appropriate public reading skills.

7) Articulate understanding of her/his liturgical role while assisting the Bishop.

Required Readings:

~ Deacons in the Liturgy, Ormande Plater

~ The Liturgy Explained, Thomas Howard

~ The Ceremonies of the Eucharist, Howard Galley

~ Opening the Prayer Book, Jeffrey Lee

Recommended Readings (or) Resource Books:

~ The Diaconate, A Full and Equal Order, James Monroe Barnett

~ The Book of Occasional Services, Church Hymnal Corporation

~ Lesser Feasts and Fasts, Church Publishing Company

~ The Liturgical Year, Its History & Its Meaning, Adolf Adam