In 1971, there were seven deacons and 529 candidates in the country, according to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and a research organization called the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. By 1999, there were 12,862 deacons and 2,582 candidates. This growth can be seen locally, too. In the Des Moines diocese, Deacon Klein's 1974 class was comprised of six men who were ordained. Roles Deacons have a distinct role as servants, said Deacon George Catanzano, of St. Mary of Nazareth in Des Moines.
Deacons serve both urban and rural parishes.
Father John Harmon serves as pastor to two rural parishes, St. Anne in Logan and Holy Family in Mondamin. He said Deacon Jim Herman does a lot of the administration in Holy Family Parish and preaches on a regular basis. Plus, he named several other deacons in the northwest corner of the diocese who help with various ministries. Father Paul Monahan, of Holy Rosary Parish in Glenwood, has four deacons in his parish, three of whom are actively involved in ministry. Deacons can also act as administrators of parishes.