Am I able to go to a byzantine catholic church?

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spacecadet

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i’ll be out of town and there is a byzantine catholic church near my hotel. i won’t have much time so this would be optimal. is going to mass there accepted in the roman catholic church?
 
Yes - so long as it is Byzantine Catholic - that is, it is in union with Rome.

There is a Byzantine Orthodox which is not in union with Rome.
 
Definitely go. You will enjoy the experience.

Even if you were not traveling, I would suggest you attend one of the Easter Rite Catholic Churches at least once in your life.

When I was in college, I use to frequent a Byzantine Catholic Church near the campus.

PF
 
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spacecadet:
i’ll be out of town and there is a byzantine catholic church near my hotel. i won’t have much time so this would be optimal. is going to mass there accepted in the roman catholic church?
Sure. There are more than 10 different churches under the Byzantine Rite of the Catholic Church. Enjoy the Divine Liturgy. Pack a hankie beccause your nose might run from all the incense smoke…
 
Since you would be familiar with the ordinary structure of the Mass, the Divine Liturgy should be easy for you.

I would suggest that you not make the mistake I made when I first started attending Divine Liturgies: don’t get all hung up in the pew book (missalette, or whatever).

You already know that the Eucharist will be confected, and there will be two readings of scripture, so just listen. Enjoy the expression of the Divine Liturgy and worry less about what page you are on.

Listen carefully to the prayers: the litanies and antiphons are beautiful, they will express everything the Eastern Christians believe! The Ruthenians now have the priests prayers at the altar said allowed, if this is the case where you are going, listen to those beautiful prayers!

It may not be the custom to kneel at this parish, the tradition and canons do not allow for it on most Sundays (some parishes do, a result of the influence of the Latin church). If that is the case just bow, you will know when.

You already know the Creed, they might not take the filioque. That’s Ok.

The Divine Liturgy is a multi-sensory experience: sight, sound, taste, movement, touch and smell. Allow yourself to be drawn into the experience, you will be there with the angels and saints. :angel1: You might feel like kissing them!

http://ocaphoto.oca.org/filetmp/2003/June/335/Detail/DSC_0161.jpg

If you feel that you are prepared for communion present yourself with the others as they file forward, with arms folded across. Ordinarily, if the priest or deacon knows your name they might say it as they pray over you, they might ask (but I doubt it).

As you step to fore, the Sacred Mysteries will be on a golden spoon. Tilt your head back and keep your tongue behind your lower teeth, the priest or deacon will drop the Body and Blood on your tongue, do not close your lips on the spoon (closing the mouth is common in Orthodox parishes but not in Catholic parishes).

http://www.byzantinecatholic.org/Worship/DivLiturgy/Communion3.jpg

Say nothing as you turn away, cross yourself and return to your place.

I hope that you like it! 🙂
 
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