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From: The Catechism of the Catholic Church, ed. Geoffrey
Chapman, London 1994, pp. 353-354.
§ 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.
Footnotes.
66. Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 1024.
67. Cf. Mk 3:14-19; Lk 6:12-16; 1 Tim 3:1 -13; 2 Tim 1:6; St. Clement of
Rome. Ad Cor. 42,4; 44,3: PG 1,292-293; 300.
68. Cf. John Paul II, MD 26-27; CDF, Decl. Inter
Insigniores: AAS 69 (1977) 98-116.
69. Heb 5:4.
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