332. Who can confer this sacrament?

332. Who can confer this sacrament?

(Comp 332) Only validly ordained bishops, as successors of the apostles, can confer the sacrament of Holy Orders.

“In brief”

(CCC 1600) It is bishops who confer the sacrament of Holy Orders in the three degrees. 

To deepen and explain

(CCC 1575) Christ himself chose the apostles and gave them a share in his mission and authority. Raised to the Father's right hand, he has not forsaken his flock but he keeps it under his constant protection through the apostles, and guides it still through these same pastors who continue his work today (Cf. Roman Missal, Preface of the Apostles I). Thus, it is Christ whose gift it is that some be apostles, others pastors. He continues to act through the bishops (Cf. LG 21; Eph 4:11). 

Reflection

(CCC 1576) Since the sacrament of Holy Orders is the sacrament of the apostolic ministry, it is for the bishops as the successors of the apostles to hand on the "gift of the Spirit" (LG 21 § 2), the "apostolic line" (LG 20). Validly ordained bishops, i.e., those who are in the line of apostolic succession, validly confer the three degrees of the sacrament of Holy Orders (Cf. DS 794 and Cf. DS 802; CIC, can. 1012; CCEO, can. 744; 747). 

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