VI. Who Can Receive This
Sacrament?
1577
"Only a baptized man (vir) validly receives sacred
ordination."66 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.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.68
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.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.
1579
All the ordained ministers of the Latin Church, with the exception of permanent
deacons, are normally chosen from among men of faith who live a celibate life
and who intend to remain celibate "for the sake of the kingdom of
heaven."70 Called to consecrate themselves with undivided heart to
the Lord and to "the affairs of the Lord,"71 they give
themselves entirely to God and to men. Celibacy is a sign of this new life to
the service of which the Church's minister is consecrated; accepted with a
joyous heart celibacy radiantly proclaims the Reign of God.72
1580
In the Eastern Churches a different discipline has been in force for many
centuries: while bishops are chosen solely from among celibates, married men
can be ordained as deacons and priests. This practice has long been considered
legitimate; these priests exercise a fruitful ministry within their
communities.73 Moreover, priestly celibacy is held in great honor in
the Eastern Churches and many priests have freely chosen it for the sake of the
Kingdom of God. In the East as in the West a man who has already received the
sacrament of Holy Orders can no longer marry.
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