Sacrament of Holy Orders
"The
Sacrament of Apostolic Ministry by which the mission entrusted by Christ to his
Apostles continues to be exercised in the Church through the laying on of hands.
This sacrament has three distinct degrees or 'orders': deacon, priest, and
bishop. All three confer a permanent sacramental character."
(Catechism of the Catholic Church - glossary)
See also:
Holy Orders
