Over 20,000 permanent deacons serve church, but death, retirement bring overall number down

Annual report finds there are ‘not enough’ deacons being ordained in the U.S.

Deacons gather in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome in February. The number of deacons in the U.S. has declined year over year, according to a recent report, June 13, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Jun 14, 2025 / 08:00 ... [...]

Over 20,000 permanent deacons serve church, but death, retirement bring overall number down

The report -- "A Portrait of the Permanent Diaconate in 2025" -- was released June 12 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations.

USA: A Portrait of the Permanent Diaconate in 2025 - ZENIT

(ZENIT News / Washington, 06.13.2025).- “Deacons serve an invaluable role in bringing the hope of the Gospel to all members of society,” said Bishop Earl Boyea of Lansing. “By their witness in the parish, within their families, at the workplace, and while serving the poor, the life of a deacon displays the servant heart of Christ in their faithful, and often hidden, acts of charity.” The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on …