Q: The GIRM seems to give two instructions on the Deacon’s Communion under both kinds. No. 283b says it is permitted for “the Deacon and others who perform some duty at the Mass.” No. 182 says that after the Priest’s Communion the Deacon receives under both kinds from the Priest himself, and only then adds, “If Communion is given under both kinds, the Deacon himself administers the chalice.”
Is it required that the Deacon be offered both kinds? Would no. 284 apply to him: “Any of the faithful who wish to receive Holy Communion under the species of bread alone should be given Communion in this form”?
And does 283b mean that others exercising an office at that Mass, such as a reader, should be offered Communion under both kinds whenever the Deacon is?
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A: GIRM 283b says it is permitted for the deacon to receive under both kinds, and GIRM 182 presumes that he does. I believe GIRM 284 would apply to the deacon—if he chooses to decline the Blood of Christ, he may. He is permitted to receive from the chalice, but not obliged.
Yes, I interpret 283b to mean that others exercising an office, such as the readers and other ministers of the Mass, are permitted to receive under both kinds.
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