Cardinal Ameyu Issues Directives on Administration of Sacraments, Parishes, Institutions in Juba Archdiocese

On the naming of children, he says, “Parents should choose suitable names for their children preferably names of Saints, Apostles, or Prophets or any Christian-related names. In case of a name in the local language, it must have a Christian or clear meaning to the faith.”

On the duration for preparation for baptism of children, he says that it “should be at least a minimum of one (1) month.”

“Every child to be baptized should be accompanied by both parents during preparation and on the baptismal day unless otherwise there is a situation beyond which should be examined by the Parish Priests,” the South Sudanese Catholic Church leader, who was one of the three Africans created Cardinals during the 30 September 2023 Consistory in Rome says.

He adds, “A godparent for the Sacrament of Baptism should be a Catholic who has been baptized and practicing the faith, not any other person, and should at least attend the preparatory sessions for the baptism.”

Holy Communion

In his July 12 statement, Cardinal Ameyu says, “The age for anyone to receive Holy Communion should be at least a child who is seven (7) years and above and who understands the meaning of the teaching.”

“The duration for teaching for Holy Communion should be at least a minimum of three (3) months and the length should be determined by the Parish Priest depending on the understanding of the candidates,” he adds.

Confirmation

Candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation should be aged at least “twelve (12) years and above, not less,” the Cardinal says.

He adds, “A godparent for the Sacrament of Confirmation should be someone, who is a Catholic who received the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation and a practicing Christian. He or she should attend the preparatory sessions for the confirmation.” 

Penance

The Local Ordinary of Juba Archdiocese says, “Anyone who is from the age of seven (7) can be admitted to the sacrament of penance, making sure he or she understands the content of the sacrament and is able to make confession and say the act of contrition clearly.” 

He directs Priests to “take it as a responsibility to enlighten the faithful about the importance of the sacrament and above all the seal of confession,.”

He adds, “The Parish should decide on the suitable days for penance according to their respective pastoral activities, but at least there should be a day set for that on a weekly basis and anytime on individual request.” 

Holy Matrimony

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The South Sudanese Cardinal says, “The allowable age for marriage is 18 years and above for both couples.”

He adds that “each marriage of a 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 a reason beyond that will make it happen and should be clearly coordinated by the next Parish Priest for examination and acceptance by both Parish Priests otherwise.” 

Anointing of the Sick

Cardinal Ameyu directs Parish to “encourage and explain to the Christian faithful the importance of the sacrament of anointing that is meant to heal, not to end life but in case of death.” 

Catholic Schools

“All Catholic Schools should organize or have at least Holy Mass once a month and develop some spiritually related activities within their Schools for the spiritual growth of pupils and students,” the Cardinal directs.

Pastoral Council 

Cardinal Ameyu encourages Parishes to have a “Parish Pastoral Council that will be selected and with representations from all the Chapels or prayer centers under the parish. And the Parish Pastoral Council is the highest Administration for running of the Parish.” 

“There should be no other body running the parish apart from Parish pastoral council to avoid confusion of administration within the Parish and the faithful,” he adds.

Youth and Choir

The Archbishop of Juba states that the age for youth is from 18-40 years 

“The word Choir refers to singers in our Parishes during the liturgical functions or other functions while the word youth is used for any person who is at the age below 40 years who can be a choir or non-choir member but active member of the Parish,” he adds.

On youth leadership, Cardinal Ameyu says, “Any youth who is not still married and with good Christian morals can be elected as the leader of the youth at both diocesan and parish level.” 

Pastoral Care of Families 

Cardinal Mulla directs each Parish to establish a “family animation group that will support family guidance and exemplary living.”

Vocations

He directs Parishes to form vocation animation groups within the Parish that will nurture vocations at the parish level. 

“The vocation animation group should not be limited but open to nurturing all forms of vocations being to Priesthood, brotherhood, sisterhood, and marriage,” Cardinal Ameyu directs in his July 12 statement.