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.