# Deacon, Diaconate ## Catechism of the Catholic Church A third degree of the hierarchy of the Sacrament of [[holy-orders|Holy Orders]], after bishop and priest. The deacon is ordained not to priesthood but for ministry and service. Deacons are ordained 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. While the Churches of the East have always had a functioning order of deacons, in the West the permanent diaconate was reestablished by the Second Vatican Council ([[2.2.3.6.p4u#^ccc-1569|1569]], [[2.2.3.6.p4u#^ccc-1571|1571]]).