Can. 1008
© Libreria Editrice Vaticana Source: vatican.va
By divine institution, some of the Christian faithful are marked with an indelible character and constituted as sacred ministers by the sacrament of holy orders. They are thus consecrated and deputed so that, each according to his own grade, they may serve the People of God by a new and specific title.
Wording replaced by Cf: Apostolic Letter issued "Motu Proprio" Omnium in mentem, modifying some canons of the Code of Canon Law (October 26, 2009) (earlier version):
By divine institution, the sacrament of orders establishes some among the Christian faithful as sacred ministers through an indelible character which marks them. They are consecrated and designated, each according to his grade, to nourish the people of God, fufilling in the person of Christ the Head the functions of teaching, sanctifying, and governing.