Catholic Church issues new guidelines to uphold sacramental integrity

By Awan Achiek

Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba,Stephen Cardinal Ameyu Martin Mulla on Friday issued new directives to uphold sacramental integrity across parishes in the country.

The new guidelines on baptism, confirmation, penance, holy marriage, and others were agreed upon during the 19^th Pastoral Council meeting held from 28^th to 31^st May 2024 in Juba.

Ameyu said many concerns emerged from the meeting which should be taken seriously for continuous spiritual growth within the parishes.

For example, he said a minor should be baptized eight days after delivery, adding that parents are advised to choose saints, apostles or prophets or any Christian-related names for children.

“Every child to be baptized should be accompanied by both parents during preparation, and on the baptism day unless there is a situation beyond which should be examined by the parish priest,” Ameyu told journalists at a press conference in Juba.

He said a god parent for the sacrament of baptism should be a catholic who has been baptized and practicing the faith and not any other person.

Ameyu also noted that Holy Communion can only be taken by a child at the age of seven and above.

“The duration for teaching for Holy Communion should be at least a minimum of three months, and the length should be determined by the parish priest depending on the understanding of the candidates,” he said.

Ameyu said that anyone at the age of seven can be admitted to the sacrament of penance, as long as he or she understands the content of sacrament and is able to make confession as well as say act of repentance.

He directed the priests to enlighten the faithful about the importance of sacrament and seal of confession.

Ameyu disclosed that the legal age for marriage remains 18 and above for both couples.

“Each marriage of faithful should be celebrated in his or her particular parish where he or she prays, not to be transferred to another parish unless there is reason beyond that make it happens,” he said.

 Ameyu observed that marriage should be clearly coordinated by the parish priests for examination and acceptance.