Sacramental Character

The first sacrament of Christian initiation, in which a person is reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, freed from sin, made a member of Christ and his Church, and given an indelible sacramental character. It is ordinarily conferred by washing with true water while invoking the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The sacrament through which the apostolic ministry entrusted by Christ to the Church continues in the three degrees of bishop, priest, and deacon. Ordination confers an indelible sacramental character and grace for ecclesial service according to the responsibilities proper to each degree.