Does the deacon have a liturgical role?
Yes. Foremost among these duties are proclaiming the Gospel and preaching at Sunday liturgy from time to time. Many of the liturgical functions of the deacon were spelled out in Pope Paul VI’s Apostolic Letter, which restored the diaconate. These include baptizing, bringing viaticum to the dying, witnessing to marriages, officiating at funeral and vigil services, proclaiming the Gospel at Mass. In the Diocese of Phoenix, deacons typically read the Gospel at the Sunday Masses on a weekly basis.
