The article on the Archbishop’s decision on deacons (Times of Malta, October 13) included the following reference to Joe Farrugia, the Archbishop’s delegate for the laity:

“Mr Farrugia remarked that permanent deacons could be very useful as part of the Church’s outreach in hospitals, prisons and in families facing major problems due to social and economic challenges.”

I have two simple questions for Farrugia: does he not think these are functions that can, and should, be carried out by the laity?

What exactly is the function of the laity in the Maltese Church, just distributing Holy Communion, reading and singing during Mass, and acting as members in a consultative capacity, in a number of diocesan and parochial councils and commissions?

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