Permanent Deacons are Deacons for life. Deacons have some of the same capabilities as priests, they are able to administer the sacraments of baptism, marriage, and extreme unction, and they are able to read and preach the Gospel in the Liturgy of the Word. They often play important roles in the Church, administering parishes, or assisting pastors. Brothers are members of religious orders, and their duties vary widely depending on the order to which they belong. Some live lives of contemplation and prayer, while others teach, minister to the poor or sick, and many, many other tasks.
Sisters also belong to religious orders, and their tasks are much the same.
Not all those who are called by God to live a Consecrated life are called to be priests. Many men are called to live as Deacons or religious Brothers, and many woman are called to live as religious sisters. There are two types of Deacons, permanent and transitional Deacons. Transitional Deacons are men who are on their way to becoming priests. Permanent Deacons are Deacons for life.