Celebrating the Sacrament
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Essential Rite (1572-1573)
These three ordinations are so important that they should take place preferably on a Sunday at the cathedral within the Eucharistic liturgy. All three ordinations follow the same pattern.
The essential rite for all three is the bishop's imposition of hands and the specific consecratory prayer asking for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the specific gifts of the ministry.
Rites - Signs of the Effects (1574)
Additional rites surround the celebration. The early parts (such as the presentation of the candidate) show that the choice is according to Church order. After the act of consecration, several rites show what has been accomplished. Bishops and priests receive an anointing with oil symbolizing the giving of the Spirit. The bishop receives the Gospel book, ring, miter and crozier (signs of his ministry). The priest receives the paten and chalice (signs of the people's offering). The deacon receives the book of Gospels (a sign of his preaching task).
Who Confers? (1575-1576)
Now at the Father's right hand, Christ continues to protect his Church through the apostles and to guide it through those pastors (bishops) who continue his work. Christ's gifts "make apostles and pastors" (Eph 4:11).
Since Holy Orders is the sacrament of apostolic ministry, only validly ordained bishops (those in the line of apostolic succession) validly confer these three degrees of order.
Who Receives? (1577-1578)
Because Jesus chose men as his apostles and the apostles also chose men as their successors, only baptized men can validly receive ordination (Canon 1024). Because the college of bishops (with whom priests are united) makes the college of the apostles ever-present, the Church is bound by Christ's own choice. Therefore, the ordination of women is not possible (Pope John Paul II).
No one can claim a right to receive Holy Orders. Anyone who recognizes God's call must submit his desire to the Church who has the right to call men to sacred orders (always an unmerited gift).
Celibacy (1579-1580)
All ordained ministers (excepting deacons) are usually chosen from men of faith who are celibate and intend to remain celibate. They have undivided hearts given totally to "the affairs of the Lord" (1 Cor 7:32). Celibacy, practiced with a joyful heart, proclaims the reign of God.
The Eastern Churches have a legitimate Tradition that bishops are chosen from celibates, while married men can be ordained deacons and priests. The Eastern Churches hold celibacy in great honor and a man who is already ordained cannot marry.
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