Page "Apostolic succession" Paragraph 14

For the adherents of this understanding of apostolic succession grace is transmitted during episcopal consecrations ( the ordination of bishops ) by the laying on of hands of bishops previously consecrated within the apostolic succession.

This lineage of ordination is traceable, according to " apostolic " churches, to the original Twelve Apostles, thus making the Church the continuation of the early Apostolic Christian community.

It is " one of four elements which define the true Church of Jesus Christ " and legitimizes the ministry of its clergy, as only a bishop within the succession can perform legitimate or " valid " ordinations.

Furthermore, only bishops and presbyters ( priests ) ordained by bishops in the apostolic succession can validly celebrate or " confect " several of the other sacraments, including the Eucharist, reconciliation of penitents, confirmation and anointing of the sick.