Deacons can't celebrate Mass, so why can't women be ordained deacons?
The short answer
Because deacons receive the sacrament of holy orders, which women cannot validly receive. Deacons receive it in a lesser degree than priests and bishops, but they do receive it. They also proclaim the Gospel and may preach — functions that share in the apostolic ministry — so it is fitting that they be men, as were the apostles.
Deacons receive holy orders
The diaconate is a degree of the sacrament of holy orders. Deacons receive it to a lesser degree than priests or bishops, but they do receive it, so candidates must be capable of receiving it — and women cannot validly receive it.
A share in the apostolic ministry
Deacons do not preside at Mass, but they read the Gospel and may preach, functions considered in a sense apostolic. Since deacons share in the apostolic ministry, it is fitting that they be men, as were the apostles Jesus chose.
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