Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. [CCC1536] Through the ordained ministry, the presence of Christ as head of the Church is made visible to the community of believers.
The sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred by a Bishop, through the laying on of hands and by a solemn prayer of consecration, asking for the graces of the Holy Spirit required for the ministry. Holy Orders confers the special ministry of deacon, priest, or bishop.