The Archdiocese of Detroit will host an event to provide information to men who are contemplating permanently becoming deacons. Deacons have different responsibilities and privileges from priests and exist in a large number in the United States. 

The event is scheduled to be held Tuesday, Feb. 15, at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. A Facebook post from the Archdiocese of Detroit laid out what it is looking for in new deacons. 

"Those in the Archdiocese of Detroit considering a call to the permanent diaconate, and their wives, are invited to a diaconate vocation awareness night Tuesday, February 15, 2022" the Facebook post said. "Please join us at Sacred Heart Major Seminary from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. If you exude the following characteristics and attributes, God may be calling you to the diaconate. Humble and joyful; docile and faithful to the Holy Spirit; a man of prayer, serves others with ‘evangelical charity’; provides ‘unusually gracious hospitality’, a follower who leads, personal integrity, maturity, and holiness, good listener – ‘quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath’, regular participation in the Church’s sacramental life, a positive and stable marriage, if married, or a mature celibate state of life, if single."

The post went on to provide more details about the event.

"Bring your questions and a heart open to the Lord’s will," the Facebook post said.  "This is an in-person event. We invite you to please pass along this information if you know of any interested men or would like to encourage someone you know. Let us pray together for those men God is calling to become permanent deacons within the Archdiocese of Detroit."

Roman Catholic deacons are ordained members of the Catholic Clergy.  The word “deacon” originates from the Greek word “diakonos,” which translates to “to serve.” Deacons are separate from priests in that they cannot lead Mass, consecrate the Eucharist, hear confessions, conduct an Anointing of the Sick, or officiate a wedding. Members of the Permanent Diaconate are permitted to be married, so long as they were married prior to being ordained as a deacon. 

The number of deacons in the United States is estimated at approximately 19,000.