From the earlist days of the Church, the apostles chose men to assist them in ministry and charity, these men were called deacons. After the Second Vatican Council, the permanent deaconate (instead of transitional deaconate, a step in the process of priestly formation) was restored in the Church. The Church now calls men, both single and married, to serve as permanent deacons, who proclaim the gospel, assist the priest at mass, and serve in many different ministries and charitable works.
If you feel God might be calling you to be a permaent deacon, visit the Diocese of Phoenix Diaconate page for more information.