With these words and actions of the apostles, the first deacons were ordained to serve in word, liturgy, and charity to meet the spiritual needs of the faithful, especially those who were new disciples. The call to ordain men as deacons, set apart to serve the people of God under the direction of the local bishop, remains in today’s Church.“So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task.’ They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. The Word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly.” (Acts 6:2-3; 6-7)