Q: If a Deacon is present should he always be the one to read the prayers of the faithful? Would this include anytime there is a Mass where a Deacon is serving?
==
A: Ordinarily a deacon is the one to read the petitions for the Universal Prayer. I can see exceptions for occasions such as a funeral or a ritual Mass of Confirmation, where an interested party could lead the petitions. The same does not apply to the gospel, of course, which is reserved to an ordained deacon or priest at Mass. But because a lay person may lead the petitions in the absence of a deacon, there may be occasions when a deacon allows someone else to do it. Ordinarily, though, that’s his responsibility.