Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 256.

YOUCAT Question n. 256 - Who can receive the sacrament of Holy Orders?

(Youcat answer) A baptized, Catholic man who is called by the Church to be a deacon, priest, or Bishop can be validly ordained to that ministry.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 1577) "Only a baptized man (vir) validly receives sacred ordination" (CIC, can. 1024). The 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 (Cf. Mk 3:14-19; Lk 6:12-16; 1 Tim 3:1-13; 2 Tim 1:6; Titus 1:5-9; St. Clement of Rome, Ad Cor. 42, 4; 44, 3: PG 1, 292-293; 300). 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 (Cf. John Paul II, MD 26-27; CDF, declaration, Inter insigniores: AAS 69 (1977) 98-116). 

Reflecting and meditating 

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 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 (Cf. Heb 5:4). 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.

(The next question is: Is it demeaning to women that only men may receive the sacrament of Holy Orders?)