By laying on the of hands — a tradition handed down from the Apostles — the candidate for the Order of Deacon is “strengthened by sacramental grace [to] serve the People of God, in the diakonia of liturgy, word, and charity in communion with the Bishop and his presbyterate.”

“Among other tasks, it is the task of deacons to assist the bishop and priests in 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” (CCC#1570)