Priests and deacons both baptize, perform marriage ceremonies, give homilies, preach the gospel, give communion, impart blessings, perform funeral services, preside at benediction, lead prayers, and serve the people in whatever way they can by visiting the sick, helping the poor, working with youth, assisting and enabling others in committees, etc.
The role of deacon and priest is distinct; deacons assist in sacrament, word and service and do not preside at sacraments other than baptism and matrimony.
A transitory deacon is a person who will be ordained a priest. All priest are first ordained as deacons. A permanent deacon is a person who will remain a deacon for life, unless at some future date he decides to become a priest and is ordained to that order as well.
A priest is the second Order of the ordained ministry, between Bishop and deacon. An abbot is head of a monastery, he may or may not be a priest.
Levels of progression: Deacon, Priest, Bishop, Arch Bishop, Cardinal, Pope A deacon is not a priest everyone else is.
The term deacon comes from the Greek word "diaconos" which means a servant. However, in the Christian Church, the term is mainly used to describe a man who is training to become a priest, and is the first 'order' of clergy before being made a priest, but he can also remain a deacon without later becoming a priest. The three levels or 'orders' of ordination are deacon, priest, and bishop. In most cases, a deacon acts as an assistant to a priest.
a deacon
In the sacrament of matrimony, a priest or deacon serves as a witness to the marriage vows exchanged between the couple, ensuring that the ceremony adheres to the Church's teachings. They also provide guidance and support to the couple, helping them understand the spiritual significance of marriage. Additionally, the priest or deacon may lead the liturgical aspects of the ceremony, invoking God's blessing on the union.
Baptism - normally a priest or deacon. In an emergency anybody. Confirmation - normally a bishop. With permission, a priest. Reconciliation - priest Eucharist - the priest consecrates, deacons and extraordinary ministers can distribute. Marriage - priest or deacon Anointing - priest Holy Orders - bishop
St. Francis was a friar - a brother. He was was not a priest. However, he was eventually ordained as a deacon.
Acolyte or deacon or altar server
Both can, deacon is still ordained just a lower rank so if both present appropriate for priest unless he defers
The deacon and priest venerate the altar by kissing it. Whetherr or not they lay hands is up to them, and nothing forbids that for either priest or deacon. The rite only calls for the kiss; I suspect the "laying of hands" on the altar is more for support
No. Deacons are authorized to perform fewer functions than a priest, and can be married.