Practically Speaking.....
What Can a Deacon do?
Practically speaking deacons can do many activities that priests participate in:
- Deacons can baptize
- It is the exclusive job of the deacon to proclaim the Gospel at Mass
- preach during Mass
- officiate at a Catholic wedding
- run a parish (with the permission of the local bishop)
- Deacons can also lead communion services that often look and feel like a Catholic Mass.
- Deacons preside at Wake services, funerals (outside of Mass), and at graveside committal services
- Deacons can bless stuff like your crucifix or medal in fact, any blessing not prohibited in the Book of Blessings can be blessed by a deacon
What a Deacon CAN'T do!
On the other hand there are many important things reserved only for a priest (or bishop):
- Deacons, can not consecrate the Eucharist
- Deacons can not hear confessions
- They can not administer the sacrament of Confirmation
- Deacons Can Not administer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. (I love being a deacon, but I wish I could do this...)