Deacons are first mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (6:2-5). A deacon is a man who is called to a ministry of service. He is just like priests and Bishops. He receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He is called upon to live the Christian life visibly. He is an ordained person living in the lifestyle of the laity. A deacon usually serves the community in which he lives. Once ordained, whatever the deacon does is done not in his own name or by his own authority but on behalf of the church. He is acting in the name of Christ to and for the community he serves. .
The deacon's are members of the clergy. His role is aided by priests, preside over and govern the particular local churches. Well over 90 percent of deacons are married. The responsibility of husband and father, his job or profession by which he earns a living or supplements retirement income and his ministry as an ordained deacon a candidate for a permanent diaconate who is married must have completed his 35th year and have the consent of his wife. An unmarried man must not be admitted to the permanent diaconate unless he has completed his 25th year, and has manifested a desire to remain unmarried. In accord with canon 87 the local ordinary could dispense from the age requirement within his territory for a just cause for a period up to a one-year. The springboard of service and spirituality for most deacons is his life long commitment to his wife in the sacrament of matrimony.
Many deacons are involved with providing shelter to the homeless. Improving the living conditions of others who see little hope of improving this condition for themselves and their families. They are getting involved in the areas of social justice, taking a stand on issues even though such action may not always be the popular route to follow. Like the earliest disciples, deacons are bringing the values of the gospel to bear on marriage and family life, on the trades and professions and political institutions.