Friday, October 5, 2012
333. Who can receive this sacrament?
(Comp
333) This sacrament can only be validly received by a baptized man. The
Church recognizes herself as bound by this choice made by the Lord Himself. No
one can demand to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders, but must be judged
suitable for the ministry by the authorities of the Church.
“In brief”
(CCC 1598) The Church confers the sacrament of Holy Orders
only on baptized men (viri), whose
suitability for the exercise of the ministry has been duly recognized. Church
authority alone has the responsibility and right to call someone to receive the
sacrament of Holy Orders.
To deepen and explain
(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).
Reflection
(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.
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