The Archdiocese of Detroit recently announced that the ordination of six men to the diaconate will take place at 10 a.m. on April 23 at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. 

All are welcome to attend in person or via livestream.

“Please keep these men in your prayers as they prepare to receive the sacrament of #HolyOrders,” the archdiocese wrote on Facebook. “Ordination to the diaconate is the final step in preparation for #Ordination to the #Priesthood. Come, Holy Spirit.”

Roman Catholic deacons are ordained members of the Catholic Clergy. “Deacon” comes from the Greek “diakonos,” which means “to serve," according to About Catholics. Deacons differ from priests in that they cannot celebrate Mass, consecrate the Eucharist, hear confessions, conduct an Anointing of the Sick, or officiate a wedding. Members of the Permanent Diaconate are allowed to be married, as long as they were married before being ordained.

While some deacons are members of the Permanent Diaconate, others go on to be ordained priests. According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), there are more than 13,000 permanent deacons in the U.S. The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament is located at 9844 Woodward Avenue in Detroit.

In its posting, the archdiocese opened with a blessing of all who serve, but especially the ones who will be ordained.

”Lord, look with favor on these servants of yours, whom we now dedicate to the office of deacon, to minister at your holy Altar,” was the blessing cited.