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Diaconate Ministry

Permanent Deacons

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1554 states that Catholic doctrine teaches that the degrees of priestly participation (episcopate and presbyterate) and the degree of service (diaconate) are all three conferred by a sacramental act called "ordination," that is, by the sacrament of Holy Orders:

Let everyone revere the deacons as Jesus Christ, the bishop as the image of the Father, and the presbyters as the senate of God and the assembly of the apostles. For without them one cannot speak of the Church.

Furthermore, CCC 1570 states Deacons share in Christ's mission and grace in a special way. The sacrament of Holy Orders marks them with an imprint (“character") which cannot be removed and which configures them to Christ, who made himself the "deacon" or servant of all. Among other tasks, it is the task of deacons to assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, above all the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity.

Icon of St. Lawrence

At the time of ordination, a permanent deacon is appointed to exercise his ministry in direct relationship with the authority of the diocesan bishop.  The deacon collaborates with the bishop in the service of God’s People at a parish and diocesan level based on the pastoral needs of the diocesan Church and personal qualifications of the deacon.  The pastoral care of a newly ordained deacon, coordinated by the Office of the Permanent Diaconate, extends for the first five years after ordination, with a remainder that ongoing formation continues for the entire life of the deacon, until he passes from this life to the next.

Facts on the Permanent Diaconate2

There are approximately 20,000 permanent deacons in the United States. Approximately 70% are active in ministry in the United States.

Demographic Characteristics of Active Deacons

  • 93% are married. 4% are widowers, and 2% have never married
  • 77% are at least 50 years old.
  • 19% are in their 50’s
  • 41% are in their 60’s
  • 36% are 70 or older
  • 76% are non-Hispanic whites. 18% are Hispanic or Latino.
  • 3% are African American
  • 3% are Asian
  • 67% have at least a college degree. ~12% have a graduate degree in a field related to religion or ministry.

2Data from the May 2023 Report to the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life & Vocations and USCCB

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