In addition to the faculties granted to deacons by the law of the Church, the following faculties or permissions are granted to deacons incardinated in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and other deacons to whom they have been specifically granted. They are granted absolutely, but are to be exercised under the direction of the pastor of the parish to which he is assigned (if he is assigned to a parish); otherwise, they are to be exercised under the direction of the rector of the church in which the deacon's ministry occurs.

1. To proclaim the scriptures to the faithful; to teach the faithful after consultation with the pastor and with his approval; to preach when the deacon is the presiding minister of a sacrament or liturgical rite; to preach at Masses, with the approval of the pastor;¹
2. To administer the sacrament of baptism at the request of the pastor;
3. To distribute the Holy Eucharist and to bring communion to the sick and dying, at the direction of the pastor;
4. With the necessary delegation as prescribed by law, to assist at marriages;²
5. To assist at Mass according to the liturgical norms; to carry out with the priests of the parish the various liturgical roles in service at the altar (in proper liturgical dress);
6. To minister as deacon and to preside at funeral and burial rites, in accord with the Order of Christian Funerals;
7. To be the minister of exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament;
8. To be of help to the pastor and the priests of the parish in their assigned duties. 

This decree is effective immediately.

Most Reverend George J. Lucas
Bishop of Springfield in Illinois

Reverend Monsignor Carl A. Kemme, V.G.
Ecclesiastical Notary

June 25, 2007

Springfield, Illinois

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¹Canon 764 says: "Without prejudice to the prescript of can. 765, presbyters and deacons possess the faculty of preaching everywhere; this faculty is to be exercised with at least the presumed consent of the rector of the church, unless the competent authority has restricted or taken away the faculty or particular law requires express permission."In the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, particular law does not require express permission for a deacon to exercise this faculty of preaching.

²Note that the express delegation must be given to assist at each marriage, in accord with the norm of the law, by the local ordinary or the pastor: see canon 1111. This pagella does not grant that delegation in a general way.