diaconate

noun

1. The rank of a deacon.
2. Deacons considered as a group; a body or board of deacons.
3. The period of office of a deacon.

   ““[…] This is Mr. Churchill, who, as you are aware, is good enough to come to us for his diaconate, and, as we hope, for much longer; and being a gentleman of independent means, he declines to take any payment.” Saying this Walden rubbed his hands together and smiled contentedly.”