New Every Morning Anglican Fellowship
Holy Communion — The Assisting Deacon
Job Aid 2 · For the Deacon · After the 1928 BCP · Canon 24
BEFORE THE SERVICE
• Vest: alb, girdle, stole (over left shoulder), dalmatic if available
• Confirm the Gospel for the day; mark the Missal or Gospel book
• Prepare the altar with the priest (chalice, paten, corporal, purificator)
• Know the names of the communicants who may need particular pastoral care
THE ANTE-COMMUNION
1. Enter in procession [before the priest; behind crucifer and acolytes]
2. Assist at the altar [stand at priest's right [liturgical south] throughout]
3. Read the Epistle [if no subdeacon; announce: "The Epistle is written in the N chapter of N, beginning at the N verse"]
4. Carry the Gospel book in procession [to north side or ambo]
5. Announce the Gospel ["The Holy Gospel is written in the N chapter of N, beginning at the N verse"]
6. Sign book, forehead, lips, and breast [before proclaiming the Gospel [traditional]]
7. Proclaim the Gospel [all stand; face the Gospel; response at close]
8. Return Gospel book to altar [or carry it before the priest returning]
THE OFFERTORY
9. Prepare the altar at the Offertory [spread corporal; set chalice; assist with the mingling of the chalice]
10. Bring alms to the priest [or receive from the laity and present]
11. Stand at priest's right through the Canon [make the same reverences — genuflect at the Consecration]
12. Do NOT join in the Consecration [the deacon does not speak the Words of Institution]
13. Do NOT elevate host or chalice independently [elevation belongs to the priest]
⚠ The deacon may NOT consecrate, pronounce Absolution, give the Blessing, or consume the remaining consecrated elements.
THE COMMUNION
14. Administer the chalice [Say: "The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ's Blood was shed for thee, and be thankful."]
15. Return chalice to the altar after Communion [place on the corporal]
16. Assist with ablutions if directed [priest consumes remaining elements; deacon may hold the chalice]
17. Deacon may NOT consume remaining consecrated elements [that act belongs to the priest alone]
18. Give the Dismissal ["Depart in peace" — or as directed by the priest]
⚠ Deacon may NOT give the Blessing. The Blessing is reserved to the Priest [BCP p. 84]. Deacon gives only the Dismissal.
AFTER THE SERVICE
• Assist with unvesting; secure the sacred vessels
• Note any pastoral needs arising from the service for the priest
Canon 24.02: a deacon ministering in a parish under a priest "shall act under the direction of such Priest in all his ministrations."
© 2026 · The Reverend P. A. Ternahan, M.A. Hum. · The Continuing Anglican Tradition of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer