Diaconate

The body of ordained ministers in the Church. In Catholic canon law, a man becomes a cleric through ordination to the diaconate; bishops, priests, and deacons therefore constitute the clergy.

A man ordained to the diaconate, the first degree of Holy Orders. Deacons are ordained for service in the ministry of the word, liturgy, and charity; they may baptize, proclaim the Gospel, preach when authorized, assist at and bless marriages, preside at funerals, and perform other ministries permitted by law.