sacramental order

In Christianity, holy orders are grades within the ordained ministry, historically including bishops, priests, and deacons, along with minor orders like porters, lectors, exorcists, and acolytes. The term "order" was adopted from Roman civil life and initially referred to both clergy and laity, later signifying a church office admitted by a bishop.1

In the Roman Catholic Church, holy orders are considered one of the seven sacraments. While theological debate exists on whether these constitute one or multiple sacraments, there's consensus that bishop, priest, and deacon orders are sacramental. Modern Catholic practice, following Pope Paul VI, recognizes bishop, priest, and deacon as the primary orders, with acolyte and lector as ministries. Ordination is conferred by a bishop through the laying on of hands, prayer, and the intention to transfer the "power of orders". This confers an indelible character, granting the power to administer sacraments.123