Diaconate
Though not one of the four particular vocations, the Diaconate is one of the ways a man can further his vocation in his life of holiness while living the vocation of marriage or single life. The Diaconate is another aspect of life that would need serious discernment on the part of the individual and, if married, his wife as well. Many deacons have paid positions within the Church, but most remain in the public sector with jobs they had prior to their ordination. This is a very real way for the Church to be present within the secular community bringing the Kingdom of God wherever we are.
“Deacons share in Christ's mission and grace in a special way. The sacrament of Holy Orders marks them with a character which cannot be removed and which configures them to Christ, who made himself the "deacon" or servant of all. Among other tasks, it is the task of deacons 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.” (CCC 1570)
The permanent diaconate, which can be conferred on married (or single) men, constitutes an important enrichment for the Church's mission. Indeed, it is appropriate and useful that men who carry out a truly diaconal ministry in the Church, whether in its liturgical and pastoral life or whether in its social and charitable works, should "be strengthened by the imposition of hands which has come down from the apostles. They would be more closely bound to the altar and their ministry would be made more fruitful through the sacramental grace of the diaconate." (CCC 1571)
Diaconal ministry works hand in hand with both priestly and lay ministry as a sacrament to bring about the kingdom of God. Deacons are men with a charism and a calling to radical availability for service to the People of God, the Church. The deacon’s vocation calls him to collaborate with the bishop and the priests in an exercise of a ministry that is not of their own but the Word of God—calling all to conversion and holiness. It is a ministry of reconciliation, of outreach to the most marginalized and those most in need of care, of education, and justice.
Further reading about the Diaconate
Here is a link to the Diaconate office for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee with valuable information on the role of a Deacon, the admission process within this diocese, discernment, and more
A link to a brochure from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee giving information on the Diaconate – what it is, criteria, and information about the admission process and formation:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops with some Frequently Asked Questions about the Diaconate