www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Baptized Roman Catholic. Would I be welcome?

Hello,
I was baptized as Roman Catholic, and went through Confirmation.
My father is Roman Catholic, but my mother was raised Greek Orthodox. She converted when they married.

I've never really felt any connection (for lack of a better word) with the Roman Catholic church. I do consider myself to be religious and pray at least once every day.

I was VERY close with my grandmother who was baptized at a Byzantine Catholic church in Philadelphia. I would very much like to attend the church that she attended. My question though is if I would be welcome. I mean, I know I would be "welcome" but would I need to "convert" or anything? When I was a child I always enjoyed attending mass at my grandmother's church. Would there be any additional steps I would have to take to become a member of the church?

Thank you!
Christina

Hi Christina,

You would probably do well to speak to your local priest. However, since you have been baptized all you need to do is go to confession and things will be set right. Once you go to confession you are free to share the Eucharist.

God bless you and welcome home!

Jason

If that Church in Philly is Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church you will MOST CERTAINLY feel welcomed! I went there for a few weeks and felt right at home. I would highly recommend that Church. Its just past the Ben. Frank bridge if memory serves.

Make sure you go downstairs to the coffee social after Liturgy.

Hi Christina, welcome to the forum. God bless.

Joe

If memory serves me correctly, any Catholic in good standing with the Church is welcome by default at any Eastern Catholic parish. However, since you've been a non-practising Catholic in the eyes of the Church, confession is a good way to start and things will fall into place for you... May God bless you on your new journey

You will find most Eastern Churches are very friendly. Even ones that are more ethnic. Most priests would be glad to help you go to confession if you are a little rusty. Welcome back and welcome to the forum.

Go and you will find out. My guess is that they will welcome you with open arms. Especially if you express an interest in the Byzantine Church. Explain to someone, anyone, that you were baptized RC but are interested in the Eastern Church and just sit back and see how they light up! We Eastern Catholics love to talk about our church. Make sure you talk to the priest as well and express your interest. Talking about our religion is a passion with us.

Welcome to the boards and post often, please!

Tim

Thanks for the information.

Since I was raised Roman Catholic I am more familiar with those prayers and services. However, I did attend mass every now & then with my grandmother so I am familiar with it in general.

Do you have the same prayers as Roman Catholics? Like the Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary? Do you have a link to common prayers?

Also, this might sound stupid, but what version of the Bible do you use?

Christina,

The Epistle and Old Testament readings are taken from the NEW AMERICAN BIBLE, copyright 1970 by the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, DC. I'm not sure because I don't have the Gospel book here but I believed it's the same source. For private reading there is no specific version prescribed.

The Our Father is the same, but our Liturgical version adds the Doxology chanted by the priest. Our normally practiced Hail Mary is the same but there is more ancient Eastern version which has a different ending. The Nicene Creed normally is used rather than the older Apostles Creed. As in the Western Church we have many formal prayers; however the Eastern Church more consistently emphasizes contemplative prayer; that is placing yourself before God and talking to Him and, more importantly, LISTENING to the whispering of the Holy Spirit.



http://www.byzantines.net/kitchensink/index.htm

The above link has info that you may find helpful.

I my area "church hopping" is common among Romans and Byzantines so I don't believe that you will stand out; so be comfortable and just let the Divine Liturgy "soak in."

May God be with you,

Fr. Deacon Paul

Don't be shy! Just go and do it. I suspect the Holy Spirit has
put this desire in your heart.

Edmac

Hey there, Christina,

Welcome.

Since you are already Catholic, you can attend an Eastern catholic Church and partake of the sacraments / mysteries. You should introduce yourself to the priest beforehand, explain briefly your situation, and ask for any advice. He will probably be glad to help you. Also, most members of Eastern churches are friendly.

Just jump in; the water's fine !

-- John

I have yet to find a Byzantine parish that wasn't overwhelmingly open.

The first Divine Liturgy I attended several years ago in DuBois, PA, happened almost by accident. I knew it was there, aimed for a different RC church than usual that week, and had the time wrong. By chance, that made me just in time for the Byzantine Catholic church that was almost behind it. People saw my befuddlement with the book, and showed me the correct pages. I was overwhelmed by the liturgy, and went there instead whenever I had the chance (which was quite often with four children in a cold climate .

After about a year back home here, I eventually found one of the local Byzantine churches--this time, it was confirmation classes that had the family mass times split. Once more I was scooped up by the parishoners, who are amazingly open. My parish actually has more RC than actual Byzantines. Then mix in a few Ukrainian Catholics, at least one Melchite (who frequently sings in Arabic and Aramaic during communion), and couple of assorted Orthodox. It's tough for a visitor to *not* be pulled in for coffee & donuts (or whatever it is that week).

I went to the parish in San Diego once. Once more, quite welcoming. A couple of months later, we swapped priests with them for the weekend (he used to be the pastor here)--and he recognized me *and* pulled my name out of his memory: my last name, which he only would have had from the guest register. Today a Christmas card came in the mail from them . . .

And similar experiences at the pro-Cathedral in Phoenix.

Yes, you'll be welcome.

hawk, who at this point attends with his entire family, is registered in the parish, serves on the altar most weeks, and is getting around to formally changing ritual