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PREPARE FOR LONGISH READ

Hello everyone, I am pollozlocoz and I am 16 years old.I am Roman rite Catholic. However, I have been feeling empty these days. Even though the Roman rite offers beautiful things like the Latin mass,I can't go to one very often, and the only place I can go to is to my original parish. I feel unsatisfied. I am not a big fan of the mariachi mass that we have over there, so when I go there I go extremely demotivated. There's a bunch of not-so little kids running around the altar (literally) and a bunch of stereotypical teenagers who text and chew gum even during the consecration. Then there is also the not-so motivating music. There are no candles what so ever, and there are also no statues of Our Lady around the altar, it is hidden away some where near the doors where no one can see. All that motivates me to go (sometimes) is a girl I think I kind of like, but that is another topic and the mass is still pretty bad and there is no respect for the sacred things.

Forgive me if I seem like I am just whining, but I am getting tired. This has had it's toll on me. I was unmotivated because of this nonsense that I didn't go to mass willingly for one month and I pretty much lost my piety. All that has kept me spiritually alive is my daily recitation of the rosary,in which I don't concentrate like I used to.

Now to the main discussion, I remembered about the little byzantine mission across from the place where there is the Latin Mass. I have been interested in Eastern Catholicism since I came back to Catholicism. Does anyone here go to that mission?? (byzantine catholic mission of Montgomery County, MD) Do they celebrate the Divine any time other than 10 AM? If they don't then I guess I just have to wait until I get my License, which is not too far down the road.

Also another thing, I spoke to my father about my interest in EC and he told me that it is too weird for a white Latino to be in a eastern rite, since in El Salvador everyone who is catholic is Roman Catholic, even those who have Eastern European parents or grand parents. He is right, I have never seen a EC church there in my whole life, but I don't feel "fed" in what is now the Roman rite. Especially in our culture. I feel the need to express my devotion to Jesus with candles and chants rather than by singing the mariachi-style songs and with no silence and strong devotion or respect. Will people look at me weird because of my nationality? I am not even patriotic, I mostly ignore my country. In fact, I actually consider myself to not be part of any country.

So again, does anyone here go to that mission? is there any other liturgy that isn't at 10 AM? Will I be allowed to receive the Eucharist? Should I talk to the priest first? Is there anything I should do? Anything I need to know? keep in mind that if there is no other time for the liturgy, I won't be able to go for a few months, but at least I will be looking forward to that day All I would need to get used to is praying and singing in English, which I avoid most of time.

Also, here is the link for the Ruthenian-rite mission [montgomerybyz.org]

I also need help understanding if the Greek catholic church is in communion with Rome (just plain curiosity.)

Pollo,

Welcome to the forum, even if it was a 'longish read' (I've read much worse, believe me - it was punctuated, it was free of misspellings, it was pretty grammatical, you broke it up into paragraphs, it was readable, it was respectful, and you expressed yourself pretty well - that's a lot more than can be said for some first postings by folks who are well past 16 years of age ;D .)

Let me give you a few quick answers, because it's late. I'm sure that others will chime in.

Yes, the Byzantine Mission in Gaithersburg is Catholic and is in communion with the Church of Rome (as are all parishes and missions that are styled as 'Ruthenian', 'Byzantine', and pretty much any that are styled as 'Greek Catholic' - although you will occasionally encounter an Orthodox parish that uses 'Greek Catholic', at least in its legal name - not often in its everyday title though).

As you are a Catholic, you may indeed receive the Eucharist, as you may in any Catholic Church, Latin or Eastern. It isn't necessary to speak with the priest first. Attending the Divine Liturgy also does satisfy a Latin Catholic's obligation to attend Mass.

The only service of the Sunday Divine Liturgy in Gaithersburg is at 10:00am, as you noted. When a mission is served from an active parish, as is the case here (it's a mission of Epiphany of Our Lord in Annandale, VA), you've got a priest who is trying to cover two locations and it's rarely possible for there to be more than a single service on Sunday.

As regards 'things you need to know' - there are a couple of sites on-line that can offer you a lot of information.

One is the website of St Elias Ukrainian Greek-Catholic parish in Brampton, Ontario, Canada [saintelias.com]. It has several extraordinarily well-done pages, some with videos, that provide an excellent introduction to worship in the Eastern Rites - including etiquette, vesture, etc. While there will be minor differences because it is focused on Ukrainian Greek-Catholics, those will be inconsequential to someone new to the East.

The second is an essay entitled 12 Things I Wish I’d Known … - First Visit to an Orthodox Church [frederica.com] by Presbytera Frederica Mathewes-Green, the wife of an Antiochian Orthodox priest. It's a classic piece that is less detailed than the material from St Elias, but affords excellent advice to anyone making their first visit to an Eastern Church, whether it be Orthodox or Catholic.

Finally (though I realize you have more questions and will develop even more in time), to address your Dad's concerns "that it is too weird for a white Latino to be in a eastern rite, since in El Salvador everyone who is catholic is Roman Catholic". With all due respect, he's right, but also wrong.

I don't know of any Eastern Catholic presence in El Salvador - although there certainly is elsewhere in Central and South America (and I do believe that there may be a Maronite community in El Salvador, although I'm not sure that it's pastorally served at present).

Here in the US, there are significant numbers of Latinos who are parishioners of both Eastern Catholic and Orthodox parishes - enough so that the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom is served in Spanish in places. Admittedly, most such are either in the South-West or on the West Coast, but there are also a few Mid-West and East Coast locations.

I've no idea of the make-up of the Gaithersburg mission but a lot of Ruthenian parishes have pretty ethnically diverse congregations these days. It also seems to me that we do have a couple of forum members who are parishioners of the mission, although I'm blanking right now on who they might be.

So, when you get the opportunity, so attend and rather than worry about precisely what to do and when to do it, let your first visits be about immersing yourself in the fullness of the worship. No one will stare if you cross yourself in the Latin way - we see it all the time. Forum members making their first visits to Eastern Catholic and Orthodox churches often comment here as to how willing those around them in church are to be helpful, pointing out where to follow in the prayers and hymns, etc.

And, do stay for the coffee hour afterwards - let folks introduce themselves, introduce yourself to the priest, get a feel for the people. I doubt you'll regret it.

Many years,

Neil

My Peruvian father-in-law and El Salvadoran mother-in-law were skeptical about their daughter's new Byzantine Catholic church. Every now and again they'd go to a Spanish mass.

They attend with us every week now.

One of my former co-workers attended the mission in Gaithersburg; I don't know if he still does. He was also a member here and used to post from time to time, but I haven't seen anything by him for a very long time. MonCoByz (for Montgomery County Byzantine), are you out there?

I second Neil's recommendation that you try the liturgy. I have another friend who attended there whenever her health allowed. She always spoke of how warm and welcoming the community is.

Actually, Alicia, MonCoByz posted just within the past 2 weeks, as I recollect. I can't believe that I blanked on him - especially given his nick - but my excuse is a very, very long and hot day of destructing and reconstructing a bathroom and, by 1am, I was pretty much shot. Thanks for filling in the blanks.

Many years,

Neil

Pollozlocoz, I'm glad you were brave enough to post your concerns spiritually. People in a very traditional familial upbringing have a tough time bringing issues, like what you're describing, to the forefront. It's even more difficult, when trying to explain, or share, to your parents.

As far as your father's fear, or apprehension, is concerned, the strangeness may be felt. I certainly felt such initially when I finally attended my first Divine Liturgy, at a Ruthenian parish, two Sundays ago. I don't know what they honestly felt, when they first saw me, but I've been the only ethnic Filipino to show up there, recently. But, the congregation was really welcoming. The priest who presides over that parish was very welcoming. We even have a small bridge because of my ethnic background, so we'll exchange greetings in Tagalog.

As far as feeling lost, it happens, especially when you attend a liturgy, or vesper at the seat of your pants. But, the more you go, the more you'll get used to the flow; and having willing people around helps, too.

I was in a similar boat to you, around that same age. I was raised in a semi-traditional Filipino-centric home (cradle Roman, unquestioned obedience, honorifics abound). It was tough to really voice any type of opposition when I was much younger. It isn't now, as us kids are all adults. But, yeah, I was feeling lost spiritually, even as I physically shifted to a Buddhist practice, or even not having a particular religion, of which, I followed.

I've been spoiled by the few liturgies, and one vesper I went to. I do feel lost when I've been away from them.

Thank you all for your responses. Especially to irish. I can't wait go there after some months when I get my license.

Pollozlocoz,

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Yes the Montgomery County Mission is a mission of Epiphany of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Annandale VA.

A most capable and caring bi-ritual priest celebrates the Divine Liturgy each Sunday at 10:00 AM. Please consider yourself most welcome to attend the liturgy.

The mission is small, but very determined to continue. You will find the people very helpful. Most Sundays there is coffee and snacks after the liturgy, so plan to stay for the social time also (this may be curtailed in the summer months, but is very much active through most of the year).

Again, please feel free to communicate with the priest about any questions. I am occasionally assigned to the mission liturgy, so I would be glad to speak with you when I am present.

Please let us know of your reactions, and any questions.

My prayers are with you,

Deacon El

Pollozlocoz,

I'm half Hungarian and Polish descent, and I still find the Byzantine tradition the most comfortable to me. Maybe St. Stephen of Hungary's mother who was a Byzantine Catholic is watching over me or something. I also have to travel quite a bit to reach an EF Mass in the Roman Rite. But thankfully here in eastern PA, we have several Greek Catholic, and Orthodox parishes locally where I live. Welcome to Byzantine Catholic forums!

Glory to Jesus Christ!
Hola Pollolocoz,
I'm also from an ethnic background that is not "Eastern" (Mexican/English/German), unless you count my Iranian stepfather as being Eastern. Our Byzantine Catholic Church is open to anyone from any background, and in fact in our western eparchy (which is like a diocese), our bishop has most recently ordained a Mexican-American as a priest for our church (and he wasn't the first, Gracias a Dios). I'm sure you'll be most welcome if you can make it to the liturgy and visit.

My one comment would be that I hope that after visiting our parishes/missions that if you do join a parish, that it would be because of your love of our church, and not so much focus on what may be a shortcoming of the American Latin Rite Catholic parishes. It may sound like a glass is half full/vs. half empty angle but it makes a difference. Please feel free to PM me if you'd like some more background/references to learn about Eastern Catholics, I don't want to make a huge list here.

In Christ,
J. Andrew

p.s. I tried to PM you two links but it appears others have beat me to it, as your inbox is full.

Here's some of my favorite intro interviews about Eastern Catholics, coming from Abbot Nicholas and Father Maximos from Holy Resurrection Monastery, an Eastern Catholic Monastery based out of St. Nazianz, Wisconsin.

Abbot Nicholas' videos:



Fr. Maximos' videos:




And this is a nice intro video from Fr. Thomas Loya


In Christ,
J. Andrew

So you go to that mission?

Also, Thanks for all the other replies. I have read all of them.

Pollo;
Tell your dad that one deacon told me that more Latino people attend the Ukrainian Catholic Church in San Diego, CA than Ukrainians....

All the best to you!
Stefan-Ivan

A very good one from Archpriest Roman Galdaza of St. Elias UGCC: