Pre-deployment preparation for STB-catholic?

[Eklecktika]

I found out today that my boyfriend is going to be deploying for Afghanistan for a year in October. He is as of yet unbaptized, and while not completely ignorant of catholic teaching, not ready for confirmation. FWIW, we are NOT living together (actually we’ve been 300 miles apart our whole relationship, aside from brief visits home) and for lack of a better term, chaste. We’ve both been divorced previously and annulments are in the works. Obviously marriage has been discussed (given that annulments have been sought) though not planned, and I’ve been catechizing him to the best of my ability (he had planned to start RCIA this fall, but will be overseas instead.)

Because of the circumstances-combat situation, etc, I would like to see him receive as many of the sacraments now as possible, but I don’t know what is reasonable given his lack of ‘official’ catechism, especially since the priest doesn’t know him (though he does know me quite well.) Baptism, yes, Extreme Unction, yes, but what about communion? The knowledge is there, and he believes in the transubstantiation and the Real Presence wholeheartedly.

Also, he would like to be enrolled in the brown scapular but says realistically he won’t be able to commit to the rosary or little office or any of the other traditional requirements on a daily basis. Can something else be substituted, or?

I’m planning to purchase a fourway medal for him (I think-unless something better is available?) to hang on his dog tags.

I’m a little rattled right now, but what else am I forgetting? Any thoughts or suggestions? If there is a better place to put this, please let me know. It seemed logical at the time.

Thank you

 

[Catholic1954]

Have him contact the Catholic Chaplain at his command or unit. He will be in the best position to guide your boyfriend to the Church during his deployment. I would also give him a medal of St. Michael, the patron saint of servicemen, plastice would be good, medal can be too hot under gear, make a noise or reflect the sun and give away his position to the enemy. I think the green scapular is good for non-Catholics, but I’m not 100% sure about that. Of course you should pray, pray, pray back here on the homefront.

 

[Elizium23]

Extreme Unction is the term for the sacrament Anointing of the Sick when the subject is in immediate danger of death. Since he is not sick, he will not receive this sacrament.

 

[BigFellaMick]

Have him refuse to deploy on grounds that he knows it is a sin to kill someone. I was in the army for four years and put up such a big fight when they tried to deploy me that in the end they honorably discharged me. My unit went on to deploy and I went on to join the catholic faith!

 

[pjm7jc]

[edited] Please do what you can to have your friend baptized… this would be your primary desire for him, preferably in a Catholic Church. Actually the patron Saint of soldiers is St. Ignatius- get him that medal. Extreme Unction is not necessary at this time. If he knows how to pray the Rosary, that would be helpful regardless- show him how it is done. It’s a powerful tool.
Pray for him daily.

 

[Eklecktika]

Have him refuse to deploy on grounds that he knows it is a sin to kill someone. I was in the army for four years and put up such a big fight when they tried to deploy me that in the end they honorably discharged me. My unit went on to deploy and I went on to join the catholic faith!

Why would I do that? He’s a chief, six years from retirement, and nomination for this particular mission isn’t just because he’s the next number on the list. This is going to expedite his advancement, which is what he wants, and This. Is. What. He. Does. He’s been in combat before, and if he goes on this last trip, he won’t be deployed again, which is a good thing…better now than when we’re married and expecting, or something! I’m not excited about him being in the line of fire, don’t get me wrong, but I’m certainly not going to suggest to him that he lie about his stance because I’m afraid for his safety. I will do what I can to ensure he’s ‘covered’ and then entrust the rest to God and the Blessed Mother.

The Navy chaplain at his base isn’t catholic, and I’m a little concerned about having him talk to a civilian priest in the area that I don’t know-there are so many less-than-optimal priests, and while we’re certainly not Traditional in the strictest sense of the word, we’re not liberal/modern either.

Catholic1954-I assumed it was kosher to hang the medals on the chain of his dog tags-is that not the case? I’d kind of assumed one could hang them all and then run a wrap of tape or something around the outside to eliminate the clink.

Thank you so much for your replies-I appreciate, and so does he!

I will teach him the rosary before he goes.