By Taban Gabriel
King News, 12 July Juba—The Metropolitan Catholic Archdiocese of Juba, under the patronage of His Eminence, Stephen Cardinal Ameyu Mulla, has issued new procedures and directives for running the church’s affairs in South Sudan.
The ordinance covered matters related to sacraments, Catholic schools, pastoral councils, youth leadership, pastoral care of families, and vocation.
On the subject of sacraments, the church’s declaration permits children as old as eight days to receive the sacrament of Baptism, children who are seven years and above to receive holy communion, and children who are 12 years old to qualify for the sacrament of confirmation.
The directives also certify couples from the age of 18 years and above to receive the sacrament of matrimony.
Regarding Catholic schools, the order directs all schools in the archdiocese to be under the directives and coordination of the Archdiocesan Education Department and not the Parish.
The order further states that all Catholic education institutions must be headed by a religious sister, brother, or priest.
“In case of a laity, he or she should be someone who is qualified and experienced teacher, has an official appointment as church employee and has received the sacrament of matrimony,” the letter reads in part.
Meanwhile, on the topic of Youth leadership, the head of the catholic church implores only married youth who have received the sacrament of matrimony or those with good morals to be elected as head of youth.
The religious letter further urged each parish to form a “vocation animation group” to nurture vocation at the Parish level.
“The vocation animation group should not be limited but open to nurturing all forms of vocation, including priesthood, brotherhood, sisterhood, and marriage,” it reads.
The long-refined press release by the head of the Catholic Church in South Sudan and Sudan beseeches all Parishes and church establishments to implement the order instantly.