Q: As we know from the Bible, Deacons were called into service for the fair distribution of food to the widows. If that is the case who decided we should be the ministers of the cup? I understand what GIRM 137 says. But if I understand history deacons were before priest in the original church Christ started. They would have been distributing food for the body first (Not the Body of Christ). So, I am just wondering who this tradition started.
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A: Joseph Jungmann says that evidence for deacons administering the chalice goes back to the third century. You can find his references to Cyprian, Augustine, the Testamentum Domini and the various Ordines Romani on p. 386 of the second volume of his book, The Mass of the Roman Rite, the reprint of which I have endorsed.
Acts 6 speaks of seven men chosen to serve at table.The Greek word that describes their action is the origin of our word “deacon,” but their service at meals should not be confused with their service at the Lord’s Supper. We have very little reliable historical information on how deacons served at the Eucharist in apostolic times.
Why did the deacon get associated with the chalice? I think it probably was a practical matter at first. The priest distributed the Body of Christ, so deacons distributed his Blood. But I’ve given a reflection on deacons and the chalice (and deacons and angels!) in the book I co-authored with Bob Puhala, Guide for Deacons. Take a look at pages 21-24.