The ministry of the permanent deacon is threefold: 1) The Ministry of Charity: accompanying and serving the poor, the aged, the sick and the imprisoned; 2) The Ministry of the Word: proclaiming the Gospel at liturgical celebrations, teaching the faith through catechetical instruction and faith formation; 3) The Ministry of the Liturgy: assisting at the Eucharistic celebration; administering the Sacrament of Baptism; witnessing marriages and presiding over funerals.