The sacrament of Order was instituted by Christ, who ordained the Apostles at the Last Supper. It is administered by laying on hands and specific phrases during the ordination ceremony. Only a Bishop can validly ordain individuals. The sacrament of Order is a purely ecclesiastical matter. It imparts the Holy Spirit and bestows a lasting character, setting those who receive it apart from the laity. While the laity also shares in Christ's priesthood differently, the office of a Bishop holds a higher authority than the priesthood, which, in turn, holds a higher authority than the diaconate and includes special powers of consecration. The priesthood is responsible for celebrating the Holy Mass and has the power to forgive sins. The subdiaconate is part of the priesthood, while the diaconate is among the 'major orders'. Additionally, the Church instituted the four 'minor orders'. The prerequisites for receiving the sacrament of Order are baptism and being male.
