The bishops at the Second Vatican Council recognized “there are men who actually carry out the functions of the deacon’s office” and thus “it is only right to strengthen them by the imposition of hands which has come down from the Apostles, and to bind them more closely to the altar, that they may carry out their ministry more effectively because of the sacramental grace of the diaconate."
Today the same is true of many women in the Church who lead parishes and serve as catechists and chaplains and in other ministries.
In response to missionary opportunities and pastoral needs, local Churches should be able to call forth both men and women as deacons for the diakonia of the Word, liturgy & charity.