The Deacon, the Teacher, and the Priest

For one brief month, we will have all three offices in the Aaronic Priesthood covered (Justin is set to be ordained to the office of Elder this month). The Aaronic, or preparatory Priesthood is given to worthy males in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 12 (which Bryce turned in July), and they generally progress through the offices every 2 years.

Each office has a unique set of responsibilities--for example, Priests bless the sacrament and can baptize, Teachers "watch over the church" by ushering, and Deacons pass the sacrament. Once you are ordained to a higher office, you can still perform duties of the lower office, but not vice versa. For example, Priests and Teachers can pass the sacrament but Teachers and Deacons cannot bless the sacrament or baptize.

I love this set of scriptures the Young Men recite weekly. It gives me a shiver to hear about 50 of them, aged 12 - 18.

1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;

4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.

6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.

7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.

(Doctrine & Covenants Section 4)