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One of the ordained offices in the Aaronic Priesthood is that of a deacon. This office, the lowest in the priesthood hierarchy, is an appendage to the lesser priesthood. Deacons are "appointed to watch over the church, to be standing ministers unto the church." They are to assist the teachers in all their duties (which includes home teaching), and are "to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ," although they can neither "baptize, administer the sacrament, or lay on hands." Among other things, it is the practice of the Church to assign them to pass the sacrament, perform messenger service, act as ushers, keep church facilities in good repair, go home teaching, and perform special assignments at the direction of the bishopric. Many of their assigned functions are comparable to those performed by the Levites of old.
It is the practice of the Church in this dispensation -- a practice dictated by the needs of the present day ministry and confirmed by the inspiration of the Spirit resting upon those who hold the keys of the kingdom -- to confer the Aaronic Priesthood upon worthy young men who are 12 years of age and to ordain them to the office of a deacon in that priesthood. Notwithstanding the fact that this is the lowest priesthood office, it is yet a high and holy one in God's kingdom. In the meridian of time the needs of the ministry were such that adult brethren were ordained deacons.
Source: McConkie, Bruce R., Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966. 183.