256. The sacrament of Holy Orders

YOUCAT Catechism + Catechism of the Catholic Church Lesson 256

Ave Maria series

256  Who can receive the sacrament of Holy Orders?

A baptized, Catholic man who is called by the Church to be a deacon, priest, or bishop can be validly ordained to that ministry.  [1577-1578]

Poster: How do I know if I am called?.....256

WHO CAN RECEIVE THIS SACRAMENT?

1577 "Only a baptized man (vir) validly receives sacred ordination."(Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 1024.)⁶⁶The Lord Jesus chose men (viri) to form the college of the twelve apostles, and the apostles did the same when they chose collaborators to succeed them in their ministry.(Compare Mark 3:14-19; Luke 6:12-16; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 2 Timothy 1:6; Titus 1:5-9; St. Clement of Rome, Ad Cor. 42,4; 44,3:Patrologia Graeca 1,292-293; 300.)⁶⁷ The college of bishops, with whom the priests are united in the priesthood, makes the college of the twelve an ever-present and ever-active reality until Christ's return. The Church recognizes herself to be bound by this choice made by the Lord himself. For this reason the ordination of women is not possible.(Compare John Paul II, Mulieris Dignitatem 26-27; Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, declaration, Inter insigniores: Acta Apostolicae Sedis 69 (1977) 98-116.)⁶⁸–Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

1578 No one has a right to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. Indeed no one claims this office for himself; he is called to it by God.(Compare Hebrews 5:4.)⁶⁹ Anyone who thinks he recognizes the signs of God's call to the ordained ministry must humbly submit his desire to the authority of the Church, who has the responsibility and right to call someone to receive orders. Like every grace this sacrament can be received only as an unmerited gift. –CCC

Sacrament  Holy Orders John