What is it?
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to His Apostles continues to be exercised in the Church. It has three degrees: deacon, priest, and bishop.
Theological Meaning
Through Holy Orders, ordained men are configured to Christ the Head of the Church. Bishops receive the fullness of the sacrament, priests participate in the one priesthood of Christ, and deacons are ordained for service. A permanent spiritual mark is imprinted on the soul.
How it's Celebrated
The candidate presents himself and is elected by the Church
The bishop (with other bishops for episcopal ordination) lays hands on the candidate in silence
The prayer of consecration is sung over the candidate
The newly ordained receives vestments appropriate to his order
The bishop anoints the new priest's hands with holy chrism
The new priest receives the chalice and paten
The newly ordained concelebrates Mass with the bishop