Permanent Parish or Church Deacon Lapel Pin with cross and sash, gold pin with hand enameled coloring, 1 inch diameter. A permanent deacon must be at least thirty-five years of age, have completed his Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation), been installed as a Lector and an Acolyte, and completed a thorough formation program. Most deacons are "transitional", that is, preparing for the priesthood and they are usually ordained priests about a year after their diaconal ordination. However, there are some deacons who do not go on to receive priestly ordination, so called "permanent deacons".