Deacons participate in the one apostolic ministry of the bishop who possesses the fullness of sacred orders. Deacons participate in the ministry of the bishop, who is both priest and sanctifier, through their liturgical and sacramental ministry. During Mass, the deacon assists at the altar when he offers the penitential prayer, proclaims the Gospel, delivers the occasional homily, reads the general intercession or prayer of the faithful, receives the offerings, prepares the altar, assists with incense, holds the chalice during the doxology, invites the congregation to share in the sign of peace, distributes Holy Communion, assists with the consecration of the sacred vessels, and dismisses the congregation at the end of Mass. Another important dimension of the deacon's ministry is sharing in the bishop's prophetic ministry as preacher and teacher. As teachers, deacons have the sacred duty of catechizing the lay faithful. They fulfill this important calling by training and mentoring catechists, teaching faith formation classes, organizing sacramental preparation programs, teaching catechumens and those seeking full communion with the Catholic Church, facilitating Bible or other study groups, organizing adult education programs, or providing ongoing formation for lectors or extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.