Community Guidelines
RHINELAND PFALZ CATHOLIC COMMUNITIES’ GUIDELINES
The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) provides guidelines for administering the sacraments to military personnel and their families, emphasizing sacramental preparation and alignment with Catholic doctrine. Below are general guidelines for each sacrament as summarized from AMS guidelines:
BAPTISM
Eligibility: Children of Catholic military personnel, adults serving in the military, and Civilians working for the military. Adults are typically baptized through the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA).
Timeline: Parents should contact priest or Catholic pastoral life coordinator at least two months prior to the date of baptism to initiate plans. Baptisms will be performed on the last Sunday of every month, unless there’s an emergency.
Preparation: Parents and godparents must attend preparation classes offered by the priest or someone authorized to do so. Classes can also be completed in an online class with links to be provided by the priests.
Godparents: At least one godparent must be a Catholic in good standing (practicing their faith), and they must provide proof of Confirmation and First Communion. There can be two godparents. But in that case, both godparents cannot be of the same gender.
Location: Usually celebrated on military installations or at parents’ local parishes. In that case, a letter of good standing will be issued to godparents if they are members of our communities.
CONFIRMATION
Preparation: A program of catechesis, including understanding Catholic faith, sacramental life, and responsibilities as a confirmed Catholic is required. All those who were baptized as children but did not receive confirmation as teenagers, will be baptized by a bishop unless otherwise stated. Candidates must provide baptismal certificate.
Sponsors: A practicing adult Catholic who provides spiritual guidance is preferable for this role.
RCIA: Adults receiving Confirmation through OCIA will receive it with Baptism and First Communion. Adults who are being received into full communion will also receive confirmation and first Communion, usually on Easter Night. There may be exceptions in extenuating circumstances.
FIRST COMMUNION
Eligibility: Typically, children who have reached the age of reason (around age 7) or adults through OCIA.
Preparation: Instruction in the meaning of the Eucharist, the Mass, and the importance of confession before Communion among other aspects of the Catholic Faith will be taught by Catechists.
First Confession: Children must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before their First Communion, unless the child was baptized on the same day as of First Communion.
Parental Involvement: Parents are expected to actively participate in their child’s catechesis. The religious education of children is the responsibility of parents and guardians. However, ALL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN PREPARATION FOR THE SACRAMENTS WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE PRIESTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH CRE DIRECTOR. Unless when catechesis is not offered by the Rhineland Pfalz community, children will go through the parish Religious Education Program to be passed qualified for sacraments. Limited circumstances such as health conditions may warrant special accommodation.
FIRST COMMUNION
Eligibility: Typically, children who have reached the age of reason (around age 7) or adults through OCIA.
Preparation: Instruction in the meaning of the Eucharist, the Mass, and the importance of confession before Communion among other aspects of the Catholic Faith will be taught by Catechists.
First Confession: Children must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before their First Communion, unless the child was baptized on the same day as of First Communion.
Parental Involvement: Parents are expected to actively participate in their child’s catechesis. The religious education of children is the responsibility of parents and guardians. However, ALL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN PREPARATION FOR THE SACRAMENTS WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE PRIESTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH CRE DIRECTOR. Unless when catechesis is not offered by the Rhineland Pfalz community, children will go through the parish Religious Education Program to be passed qualified for sacraments. Limited circumstances such as health conditions may warrant special accommodation.
MARRIAGE
Marriage Preparation
Archdiocese for the Military Services MARRIAGE PREP links Click the link below and open to AMS marriage prep page
Registration
View and gather information by opening the first tab (Marriage Pastoral Preparation Resources. After that click on the link below to register for one of the two online trainings. This must be completed by both spouses and receive certificates
Documentation
Click the link below and follow the checklist to see documents you need and things that have to be completed in the process
Questionaire
Click the button below to access the Pre-Nuptial Questionnaire and complete this part as well
Print or email the Witness Concerning Freedom to marry form to your parents or guardians to complete. This must be signed by your parent’s parish Priest.
Contact Focus
FOCUS Inventory: Priests are responsible for assigning the inventory to the couple via email. For all FOCCUS questions, click the link below to contact FOCCUS
Dispensation
If a dispensation is requested for Mixed marriages, the Priest will follow up and submit a request to the Archdiocese for dispensation