What is the difference between a priest and a deacon?

Priests and deacons both receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders, but they receive different degrees of it and have different sacramental responsibilities. A priest can celebrate the Eucharist and absolve sins. A deacon cannot.

The three degrees of Holy Orders. Holy Orders has three degrees: bishop, priest, and deacon (CCC 1554). Bishops possess the fullness of the sacrament. Priests are ordained as coworkers of the bishops. Deacons are ordained for ministry and service, especially in the proclamation of the Gospel, the liturgy, and works of charity. Both priests and deacons are clerics and receive a permanent sacramental character through ordination (CCC 1581-1582).

What a priest does. A priest is configured to Christ the Head and Shepherd and acts in the person of Christ the Head when offering the Eucharistic sacrifice (CCC 1548, 1566). He can:

1. Celebrate Mass and consecrate the Eucharist.
2. Hear confessions and grant sacramental absolution.
3. Administer the Anointing of the Sick.
4. Baptize, preach, witness marriages, and celebrate funerals.
5. Govern a parish when appointed pastor.

Priests share in the bishop’s ministry but remain under his authority. They do not possess the fullness of Holy Orders that belongs to a bishop.

What a deacon does. A deacon is ordained as a sacramental sign of Christ the servant. With the required faculties, he can proclaim the Gospel and preach at Mass, baptize, assist the priest at the altar, distribute Holy Communion, witness and bless marriages, preside at funerals outside Mass, and lead certain public prayers (CCC 1570-1571). He also has a special calling to charitable service, including care for the poor, sick, imprisoned, and overlooked.

A deacon cannot consecrate the Eucharist, hear confessions, give sacramental absolution, or administer the Anointing of the Sick. If a deacon leads a Communion service, the hosts were consecrated earlier by a priest or bishop.

How they work together. At Mass, the priest presides and offers the Eucharistic sacrifice. The deacon normally proclaims the Gospel, may preach, prepares the altar, assists with the chalice, and gives directions to the congregation. Their roles complement each other within the one ordained ministry of the Church.

When speaking to either, “Father” is normally used for a priest, while “Deacon” is used for a deacon. Both deserve prayer and support as they serve Christ and His people in distinct ways.