Q: At mass with the bishop, when there are two deacons, the deacon of the word sets the book of the gospels on the altar during the entrance procession. Does he wait there for the bishop in order to kiss the altar simultaneously with him?
==
A: I’d say yes, but the Ceremonial of Bishops imagines that there are three deacons. The one proclaiming the gospel sets the book on the altar and then goes to his place. The other two deacons kiss the altar with the bishop.