Q: Does the vesting deacon have to proclaim the gospel, or may the priest proclaim? I’m assuming he can. Our conundrum: we are trying to chant the gospel and our deacon’s aren’t up to that level.
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A: The gospel belongs to the deacon. The only exceptions I can think of are the Presentation of the Lord’s Prayer in the RCIA and the Introduction of a New Parish Priest (Parish) into his Parish in the Ceremonial of Bishops. And, of course, when there is no deacon.
Here at the cathedral we ask our deacons to sing the dialogues that open and close the gospel. That helps elevate the proclamation.