diaconate
/daɪˈækənət/
noun
- The office, rank, or period of service of a deacon in a Christian church.
- She wrote a book about the history of the diaconate in the early church.
- After years of training, he was ordained into the diaconate.
- The diaconate is often the first step before becoming a priest in many denominations.
- A group or body of deacons collectively.
- The entire diaconate met to discuss the new community outreach program.
- The bishop addressed the diaconate during the annual conference.
- The local diaconate organized a food drive for families in need.