Formation for the Permanent Diaconate is guided by the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States. To that end, the Sacred Order of Deacons is to be "a driving force for the Church's service or diakonia toward the local Christian communities, and as a sign or sacrament of the Lord Christ himself, who came not to be served but to serve." The Deacon's  ministry of service is linked with the missionary dimension of the church. The missionary efforts of the Deacon will embrace the ministry of the word, the liturgy and works of charity which, in their turn, are carried into daily life.