Canon 276§2,3º - Priests
and Deacons and the Liturgy
of the Hours

§1: In leading their lives clerics are especially bound to pursue holiness because they are consecrated to God by a new title in the reception of orders as dispensers of God's mysteries in the service of his people.

§2: In order for them to pursue this perfection:

3º: priests as well as deacons aspiring to the priesthood are obliged to fulfill the liturgy of the hours daily in accordance with the proper and approved liturgical books; permanent deacons, however, are to do the same to the extent it is determined by the conference of bishops.

Complementary Norm: Although they (permanent deacons) are not bound by universal church law to say the whole of this prayer every day, they should be encouraged to pray at least morning and evening prayer daily.

Approved: General Meeting, November 1984

Reviewed: Holy See (Congregation for Divine Worship) (oral communication): recognitio of the Holy See not required.

Amended: Although they are not bound by universal church law to say the whole of this prayer every day, permanent deacons should not hold themselves lightly excused from the obligation they have to recite morning and evening prayer.

Approved: Administrative Committee, September 1985

Promulgated: Permanent Deacons in the United States: Guidelines on Their Formation and Ministry, No. 97, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1985