Am I in the Right Parish?

[Unity7]

Not sure if I am either asking this in the right place, or if this question has been asked before.

I am 44 years old, and somewhat confused.

I was baptised Episcopalian, chrismated Orthodox (OCA) in my 20s, and in my 30s was recevied into the Catholic Church in a Roman Catholic parish.

I’m at a point where I realize that the Roman liturgy doesn’t nourish my spirituality in the same way that the Byzantine liturgy does. There is a Melkite parish not too far from where I live, but since I don’t drive, it is a challenge for me to get there.

Recently, I’ve been attending a Russian Orthodox parish (ROCOR) that is within walking distance from where I live. I’ve been receiving the sacraments there, going to confession and receiving the Eucharist. I told the priest my situation and he has been supportive. However, I don’t know how open I’ve actually been regarding my rather strong feelings about the importance of having unity with the See of St Peter.

I’ve been telling myself that it’s ok, because Orthodox sacraments are valid, but I still consider myself Catholic. However I question how honest I am being with the priest there that I confess to. I believe he thinks that I have renounced my Catholic Faith and have returned to a non-papal Orthodoxy.

Additionally, while I find the Byzantine liturgy more spirituallly uplifting, I continue to value the Roman personal spirituality and devotions such as the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, etc. but it seems awkward to still practice western devotions while attending an Orthodox church.

I pray to the Theotokos as Our Lady of Fatima for movement towards reconcilliation between Moscow and Rome, and I am hopeful because I see all the wonderful steps that Pope Francis is taking, such as going to Jerusalem to meet with Patriarch Bartholomew. But I don’t really see Moscow and Rome talking anytime soon, let alone entering into any sort of ecclesial communion.

I’d like to hear other’s thoughts on my situation. Should I be reconcilled with my situation as it is? Should I make more of an effort to attend a Byzantine Catholic parish, or should I just return to my local Roman parish?

 

[MichaelinMD]

Christ is Risen!!!

What a horrific shame the sin of the schism effects so many people!!

Since you’ve been receiving the Sacraments in a ROCOR church, “technically” you are Orthodox. I don’t know (or need to know) the details of all that, but it’s curious that the ROCOR priest would have allowed you to receive the Sacraments without officially converting or re-converting (??) to Orthodoxy. Be that as it may, I think the Catholic Church still considers you to be Catholic.

If you desire the fullness of the Faith and unity with the See of Peter, then you won’t get that in the Orthodox Church, which is separated from Rome. If you desire the fullness of the Faith and unity with the See of Peter, you WILL get that in a Roman Catholic Church or ANY of the 23 (?) sui iuris Churches in communion with Rome.

My thinking on the matter, as much as I love and genuinely prefer the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and that of St. Basil, what “nourishes” you in either of those liturgies or in the TLM or in the N.O. Mass is the Body and Blood of Christ.

While there is no particular reason not to practice “Western” private devotions while still in the OC, especially the Rosary, I can’t help but wonder if your discomfort in doing so arises not from the fact that they are “Western” but from your holding onto unity with Rome whilst in the Orthodox Church. Most Orthodox bishops (especially the somewhat more “conservative” ROCOR ones) would probably go apoplectic, either with the priest allowing it and/or with you, if they knew. (That might be a slight exaggeration…)

Anyway…what “should” you do? I can only tell you what I would do. If I couldn’t make it to the Melkite (or other Eastern Catholic church) (which, in fact I cannot); if I wanted to remain in communion with the See of Peter, with Rome (which, in fact I do)…I’d go to the best nearest Roman Catholic parish I could find (which, in fact I do). If and when you can make it to an EC parish, by all means do so!!!

Hope that helps…

In Christ,
MinM

 

[St_Francis]

Well, there are several aspects to this problem. The first is that your Church, the Catholic Church, allows one to receive Orthodox sacraments only in cases of necessity, *and *the permission of the Orthodox priest.

The Orthodox, however, forbids their priests from giving their sacraments to Catholics (afaik, under *any *circumstances).

So, from the point of view of the Catholics, you shouldn’t be doing it because you do have a Catholic church available, however distasteful they may be, and from the point of view of the Orthodox, the priest shouldn’t be doing at all.

So you may need to offer it up and go to the Western Catholic church normally, and the Byzantine church when you get a chance.

And, hey, for 12 years I have lived 3 hours from the nearest Byzantine Divine Liturgy. One can survive, altho you have my total sympathy.

 

[RyanBlack]

Another option, which I believe I would take were I permanently unable to attend an Eastern Catholic parish but were close to an Orthodox parish, would be to attend regularly Divine Liturgy at the Orthodox parish (where I would not attempt to commune) and Mass at a Roman Catholic parish.

 

[Aramis]

The canons are clear that the rite of an individual is set at baptism, not confirmation/chrismation, and since the episcopal church generally† does valid baptisms, you’re probably canonically Roman, because all Episcopal parishes are of the Roman Rite (albeit one of several uses outside the Catholic Church).

That you came to the Catholic Church by way of the Orthodox, well, that’s grounds (and good grounds, at that) for a formal change of enrollment.

Your best bet is to see if you can arrange a stable ride to/from the Melkite parish. The odds are good that, if you can find your way there for, and can kick in for any extra petrol, there’s someone driving past you anyway to get there.

Being canonically, Roman, tho’, you can’t fulfil your obligation for sundays at a ROCOR parish unless there’s no Roman parish within reasonable walking distance. (You can fulfil your easter/christmas duty, to wit, confession and communion, but that’s not the same.)

(If you were canonically Byzantine, it would be less clear. The obligation to retain rite is the grounding for such.)

 

[Alveus_Lacuna]

As an Orthodox Christian, I would say that what you are doing is dishonest and wrong. Pick a side; you can’t have it both ways. It sounds like you are committed to Latin theology on the Roman Pope, so that’s where you must commune. Don’t be double minded. If that means you have to ‘suffer’ through a tacky post Vatican II Mass then so be it. That’s the reality of the church you’ve chosen. If you don’t think that their worship is spiritually substantive, then you should reexamine your high view of the Papacy, if the gates of Hell have wrecked their liturgy and devotions for the everyday one billion Catholics.

 

[byzancatholic]

The Melkites would welcome you.

I am Melkite, changed rites after worshiping with both the Melkites, Ukrainian and Ruthenian Catholics. Change of rite formally in 1995.

We would love to have you! We welcome Orthodox Christians.

Go to www.melkite.org online to find a community nearest you.

I would be happy to PM you, also.

Blessings. Christ is Risen!

• byzancatholic -

Not sure if I am either asking this in the right place, or if this question has been asked before.

I am 44 years old, and somewhat confused.

I was baptised Episcopalian, chrismated Orthodox (OCA) in my 20s, and in my 30s was recevied into the Catholic Church in a Roman Catholic parish.

I’m at a point where I realize that the Roman liturgy doesn’t nourish my spirituality in the same way that the Byzantine liturgy does. There is a Melkite parish not too far from where I live, but since I don’t drive, it is a challenge for me to get there.

Recently, I’ve been attending a Russian Orthodox parish (ROCOR) that is within walking distance from where I live. I’ve been receiving the sacraments there, going to confession and receiving the Eucharist. I told the priest my situation and he has been supportive. However, I don’t know how open I’ve actually been regarding my rather strong feelings about the importance of having unity with the See of St Peter.

I’ve been telling myself that it’s ok, because Orthodox sacraments are valid, but I still consider myself Catholic. However I question how honest I am being with the priest there that I confess to. I believe he thinks that I have renounced my Catholic Faith and have returned to a non-papal Orthodoxy.

Additionally, while I find the Byzantine liturgy more spirituallly uplifting, I continue to value the Roman personal spirituality and devotions such as the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, etc. but it seems awkward to still practice western devotions while attending an Orthodox church.

I pray to the Theotokos as Our Lady of Fatima for movement towards reconcilliation between Moscow and Rome, and I am hopeful because I see all the wonderful steps that Pope Francis is taking, such as going to Jerusalem to meet with Patriarch Bartholomew. But I don’t really see Moscow and Rome talking anytime soon, let alone entering into any sort of ecclesial communion.

I’d like to hear other’s thoughts on my situation. Should I be reconcilled with my situation as it is? Should I make more of an effort to attend a Byzantine Catholic parish, or should I just return to my local Roman parish?

 

[Cavaradossi]

However I question how honest I am being with the priest there that I confess to. I believe he thinks that I have renounced my Catholic Faith and have returned to a non-papal Orthodoxy.

You should cease communing at that ROCOR parish. To be blunt, people who do not believe in Orthodoxy are excluded from receiving Orthodox sacraments, as they do not share in the unity of faith.

 

[Unity7]

Thank you all for your feedback.
I am ceasing communing anywhere for the time being.
I spoke to the Orthodox priest and came clean with what is really going on.
He was very supportive but did say that had he known the true situation, he would not have offered me the sacraments so quickly.
I am going to get all my sacramental documentation - Episcopalian, Orthodox & Catholic - together, so I be clear when God shows me where to go next.
I am thinking I will try to attend the Melkite parish nearby, introduce myself to the priest and make an appointment with him to talk. I will be clear about my history, even my recent history and ask his opinion.
I won’t approach to receive any sacraments anywhere until I am clear where the Lord is calling me.
I ask for all your prayers, both Catholic friends and Orthodox friends.
Please pray to the Lord that he show me where he wants me and which community is his will for me.
Thank you

 

[tomgosse]

Praying for you as you make your discernment. I am a Roman Catholic who became Orthodox and then returned to the Catholic Church. I know what it is like to be pulled two ways. God bless.

 

[Brian_Kerzetski]

As an Orthodox Christian, I would say that what you are doing is dishonest and wrong. Pick a side; you can’t have it both ways. It sounds like you are committed to Latin theology on the Roman Pope, so that’s where you must commune. Don’t be double minded. If that means you have to ‘suffer’ through a tacky post Vatican II Mass then so be it. That’s the reality of the church you’ve chosen. If you don’t think that their worship is spiritually substantive, then you should reexamine your high view of the Papacy, if the gates of Hell have wrecked their liturgy and devotions for the everyday one billion Catholics.

This post has rubbed me the wrong way, and it took some reflection to realize why. I believe it is this: none of the Catholics who have responded to the original post spoke ill about the Orthodox Church or her traditions. In fact, I sensed that most posters long for the unity of Christ’s Church. However, in the above post, the western rite’s liturgy is belittled as well as one’s obedience to the pope. This distaste of Catholics by Orthodox is sad and makes me feel extremely unwelcome.

May we someday soon see the unity Christ asked for.

 

[andrewstx]

Not sure if I am either asking this in the right place, or if this question has been asked before.

I am 44 years old, and somewhat confused.

I was baptised Episcopalian, chrismated Orthodox (OCA) in my 20s, and in my 30s was recevied into the Catholic Church in a Roman Catholic parish.

I’m at a point where I realize that the Roman liturgy doesn’t nourish my spirituality in the same way that the Byzantine liturgy does. There is a Melkite parish not too far from where I live, but since I don’t drive, it is a challenge for me to get there.

Recently, I’ve been attending a Russian Orthodox parish (ROCOR) that is within walking distance from where I live. I’ve been receiving the sacraments there, going to confession and receiving the Eucharist. I told the priest my situation and he has been supportive. However, I don’t know how open I’ve actually been regarding my rather strong feelings about the importance of having unity with the See of St Peter.

I’ve been telling myself that it’s ok, because Orthodox sacraments are valid, but I still consider myself Catholic. However I question how honest I am being with the priest there that I confess to. I believe he thinks that I have renounced my Catholic Faith and have returned to a non-papal Orthodoxy.

Additionally, while I find the Byzantine liturgy more spirituallly uplifting, I continue to value the Roman personal spirituality and devotions such as the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, etc. but it seems awkward to still practice western devotions while attending an Orthodox church.

I pray to the Theotokos as Our Lady of Fatima for movement towards reconcilliation between Moscow and Rome, and I am hopeful because I see all the wonderful steps that Pope Francis is taking, such as going to Jerusalem to meet with Patriarch Bartholomew. But I don’t really see Moscow and Rome talking anytime soon, let alone entering into any sort of ecclesial communion.

I’d like to hear other’s thoughts on my situation. Should I be reconcilled with my situation as it is? Should I make more of an effort to attend a Byzantine Catholic parish, or should I just return to my local Roman parish?

You have no idea just how fortunate you are. There is no EC church closer than 500 miles. But there is an Orthodox church a mere 40 miles away, a small mission.

Here it’s Baptist and “non-denominational” denomination country. And if you are not in one or the other, you just plain don’t count! I really despise living here. But what to do?

I am disabled and have less than $800 a month to survive on. I can’t drive either and certainly can’t afford to move.

When life hands you lemons you have to make lemonaide. So please make the best of what you have.

You know there are Latin Catholic parishes everywhere. Even in my Baptist town. So I recommend going there. It may not be your first choice and it is not mine. But it beats going without Mass.

 

[Unity7]

This post has rubbed me the wrong way, and it took some reflection to realize why. I believe it is this: none of the Catholics who have responded to the original post spoke ill about the Orthodox Church or her traditions. In fact, I sensed that most posters long for the unity of Christ’s Church. However, in the above post, the western rite’s liturgy is belittled as well as one’s obedience to the pope. This distaste of Catholics by Orthodox is sad and makes me feel extremely unwelcome.

May we someday soon see the unity Christ asked for.

I agree. This is actually one of the reason I decided to become Catholic from being Orthodox in the first place. If the Orthodox Church were truly the one true Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, the the fruit that one would see would be a reflection of Christ. But mostly I see a lack of charity and of goodwill, especially when dealing with Catholics. I think it is a scandal that in the Ukraine we see Orthodox and Byzantine Catholics fighting each other. The Orthodox are always accusatory and suspicious of the Catholics. It is so wonderful that Patriarch Bartholomew is meeting with Pope Francis. What a scandal and a shame it is that Patriarch Kyrill won’t meet with the Pope. It would be such a sign of charity and goodwill to meet for fellowship! It wouldn’t mean that the Russian church is going to be “taken over” by the Roman church, nor would it mean that the Russian church will need to compromise it’s Orthodoxy. It would be a sign of the collegiality and fellowship that all say they want. Why on earth would Patriarch Kyrill not want to meet with the Pope as a sign of friendship and goodwill? THAT is what made me realize that I CAN’T be Orthodox any longer. I went back to confession in the Roman Church and am happy that I went back. Sure, I value the liturgy and hymnology of the Orthodox Church. I love St Seraphim of Serov and many other Orthodox saints. But honestly I think the Russian Orthodox Church won’t get my support until Patriarch Kyrill at least makes a gesture of goodwill towards his fellow Christian communions. Why won’t Kyrill follow the lead of Bartholomew?

 

[MichaelinMD]

As an Orthodox Christian, I would say that what you are doing is dishonest and wrong. Pick a side; you can’t have it both ways. It sounds like you are committed to Latin theology on the Roman Pope, so that’s where you must commune. Don’t be double minded. If that means you have to ‘suffer’ through a tacky post Vatican II Mass then so be it. That’s the reality of the church you’ve chosen. If you don’t think that their worship is spiritually substantive, then you should reexamine your high view of the Papacy, if the gates of Hell have wrecked their liturgy and devotions for the everyday one billion Catholics.

I’m afraid that I have to echo Brian Kerzetski’s sentiments in post #11. You’re right about not being double minded, but sometimes it’s easier to say that to someone than for that someone to do it. The rest of your post lacks both tact and charity, imho.

“Tacky” post-VII Masses are more the exception than the rule. “The gates of Hell” have NOT wrecked the liturgy and devotions for the everyday one billion Catholics (how would you know that, anyway?), although the assault on the Catholic Church has been and continues to be extremely fierce. And we have been promised that the gates of Hell shall NOT prevail. That really does mean something, you know. While Unity7 may not be nourished as much spiritually by the RC Mass compared to his experience of the DL, my own opinion is that if the Mass he attends is properly and reverently celebrated, that which he thinks is lacking has probably (sorry Unity 7) more to do with him and what he brings to it than something lacking in the Mass itself. While not as beautiful as the DL or a TLM, although it certainly can be, the N.O. Mass, has ALL the necessary components for a rich and deep spiritual encounter with Christ. If we don’t have that experience, the “fault” lies with us far more than the Mass.

 

[BernadetteM]

Unity7

Just wondering why you left TEC, if it is not too personal and if you were happy with their liturgy.

I don’t know where you live, but there are several Anglican Ordinariate or Anglican Use parishes in the US and if you were satisfied with their liturgy and one is close, try to attend.

Our TEC parish broke up into three groups, one to the Catholic Church, one to the Western Rite Orthodox (which seemed just like the BCP) or a Continuing Anglican Group.

The Lord has always led me to the Catholic Church and I attend both an Ordinariate and OF parish. The OF parish is very traditional and you also might find one that will satisfy your spiritual needs.

Yours in the the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Bernadette

 

[Unity7]

I left the Episcopal church mostly because once I discovered the Orthodox liturgy, the Episcopal liturgy seemed unispiring to me. But I stay away because I have several issues with it. The Anglican Ordinariate would be interesting. I do appreciate the BCP more now that I’ve spent time in the Roman church and see the roots of it. I live in LA and there is a continuing Anglican parish that I went to a couple of times a few years ago. It seemed that they basically did an old style Western liturgy, but in English rather than Latin. I did like that. Their canonical status bothered me, though. At one point it seemed that they were going to join the Ordinariate, but it didn’t happen and there was quite an acrimonious situation that arose.
Honestly - I think what was giving me second thoughts about ROCOR was actually something similar. I believe it is safer to be in a jurisdiction that is in communion with the See of Peter. It seems that problems start when folks cut them off from that.

What is OF? I’m racking my brains and just can’t see what that stands for! Ordinary Form? That’s probably it!!

Unity7

Just wondering why you left TEC, if it is not too personal and if you were happy with their liturgy.

I don’t know where you live, but there are several Anglican Ordinariate or Anglican Use parishes in the US and if you were satisfied with their liturgy and one is close, try to attend.

Our TEC parish broke up into three groups, one to the Catholic Church, one to the Western Rite Orthodox (which seemed just like the BCP) or a Continuing Anglican Group.

The Lord has always led me to the Catholic Church and I attend both an Ordinariate and OF parish. The OF parish is very traditional and you also might find one that will satisfy your spiritual needs.

Yours in the the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Bernadette

 

[Unity7]

I left the Episcopal church mostly because once I discovered the Orthodox liturgy, the Episcopal liturgy seemed unispiring to me. But I stay away because I have several issues with it. The Anglican Ordinariate would be interesting. I do appreciate the BCP more now that I’ve spent time in the Roman church and see the roots of it. I live in LA and there is a continuing Anglican parish that I went to a couple of times a few years ago. It seemed that they basically did an old style Western liturgy, but in English rather than Latin. I did like that. Their canonical status bothered me, though. At one point it seemed that they were going to join the Ordinariate, but it didn’t happen and there was quite an acrimonious situation that arose.
Honestly - I think what was giving me second thoughts about ROCOR was actually something similar. I believe it is safer to be in a jurisdiction that is in communion with the See of Peter. It seems that problems start when folks cut them off from that.

What is OF? I’m racking my brains and just can’t see what that stands for! Ordinary Form? That’s probably it!!

Unity7

Just wondering why you left TEC, if it is not too personal and if you were happy with their liturgy.

I don’t know where you live, but there are several Anglican Ordinariate or Anglican Use parishes in the US and if you were satisfied with their liturgy and one is close, try to attend.

Our TEC parish broke up into three groups, one to the Catholic Church, one to the Western Rite Orthodox (which seemed just like the BCP) or a Continuing Anglican Group.

The Lord has always led me to the Catholic Church and I attend both an Ordinariate and OF parish. The OF parish is very traditional and you also might find one that will satisfy your spiritual needs.

Yours in the the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Bernadette

 

[byzancatholic]

I am responding to everybody in this thread. Unity7’s sense of the divine within himself and how he is made in God’s image (as all of us are) rang loud and true in worshiping with the traditions of the East.

And hopefully, Unity7 will find a long term spiritual advisor (confessor) to assist in spiritual growth in Unity7’s journey back to God, and make it a path of salvation.

The Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches call such a spiritual advisor a “starets”. Such a “starets” becomes an important person in the spiritual life of an everyday person, just as a monastic priest would have in his cloister. I am certain that part of Unity7’s spiritual quest is to find a starets, along with Unity7’s loving worship and spiritual partaking of the holy mysteries.

Unity7 and I exchanged private messages. Unity7 impressed me as being somebody (like myself) hoping to share with Christian fellowship. It is unfortunate that the politics and mistrust have created alienation with some (not all) members on both sides, Catholic and Orthodox.

JPII advised the universal Catholic church to “breath with both lungs” and reminded all that the traditions and canon law of the 22 Eastern rite sui iris churches had a spiritual richness, and is equal in dignity to the worship of the Latin rite. JPII reminded us that both Catholic and Orthodox churches are of direct apostolic succession, meaning that our Orthodox brothers partake in valid holy mysteries (including communion).

Unity7 is looking for a spiritual home, perhaps. He is not seeking to make a huge legalistic decision, but rather to have a spiritual home. All of us possess such a longing to become closer to God, with intimacy. Mary, Mother of God is our advocate in our journey of salvation.

Let us remember that our universal Catholic church began its initiative to remove and dismantle the tragic aftermath of the Schism with Pope Paul VI. In 1965-1966 the Orthodox EC Patriarch and Paul Vi removed the mutual excommunication. That was a HUGE step. I am certain that more “dismantling” of the schism will come with Francis I’s efforts (and EC Patriarch Bartholomew, too).

I hope that Unity7’s spiritual journey is a happy and meaningful one, because it is not easy to be a Christian. Christians are in the world, but not of the world.

God bless Unity7.

 

[MichaelinMD]

I am responding to everybody in this thread. Unity7’s sense of the divine within himself and how he is made in God’s image (as all of us are) rang loud and true in worshiping with the traditions of the East.

And hopefully, Unity7 will find a long term spiritual advisor (confessor) to assist in spiritual growth in Unity7’s journey back to God, and make it a path of salvation.

The Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches call such a spiritual advisor a “starets”. Such a “starets” becomes an important person in the spiritual life of an everyday person, just as a monastic priest would have in his cloister. I am certain that part of Unity7’s spiritual quest is to find a starets, along with Unity7’s loving worship and spiritual partaking of the holy mysteries.

Unity7 and I exchanged private messages. Unity7 impressed me as being somebody (like myself) hoping to share with Christian fellowship. It is unfortunate that the politics and mistrust have created alienation with some (not all) members on both sides, Catholic and Orthodox.

JPII advised the universal Catholic church to “breath with both lungs” and reminded all that the traditions and canon law of the 22 Eastern rite sui iris churches had a spiritual richness, and is equal in dignity to the worship of the Latin rite. JPII reminded us that both Catholic and Orthodox churches are of direct apostolic succession, meaning that our Orthodox brothers partake in valid holy mysteries (including communion).

Unity7 is looking for a spiritual home, perhaps. He is not seeking to make a huge legalistic decision, but rather to have a spiritual home. All of us possess such a longing to become closer to God, with intimacy. Mary, Mother of God is our advocate in our journey of salvation.

Let us remember that our universal Catholic church began its initiative to remove and dismantle the tragic aftermath of the Schism with Pope Paul VI. In 1965-1966 the Orthodox EC Patriarch and Paul Vi removed the mutual excommunication. That was a HUGE step. I am certain that more “dismantling” of the schism will come with Francis I’s efforts (and EC Patriarch Bartholomew, too).

I hope that Unity7’s spiritual journey is a happy and meaningful one, because it is not easy to be a Christian. Christians are in the world, but not of the world.

God bless Unity7.

Just a couple of points. There is a HUGE difference between a confessor and a “staretz”. Confessors abound–any priest given the faculties to hear confessions is a confessor. Startzy are, quite unfortunately, very few and far between anymore. If you find a true staretz cling to him like white on rice and cherish him enormously. There are priests who would like to be startzy, but usually the very wanting of it precludes them from ever attaining such exaltedly humble status. A “spiritual father”, in Eastern Christianity, is, I believe (someone correct me if I’m wrong), somewhat between a priest who hears confessions and a staretz. They are probably somewhat more numerous than true startzy. If you find a true one, cherish him and obey him. Otherwise, many good priest confessors can offer excellent spiritual advice without having the “status” of a staretz or “spiritual father”. And…if you think you can do this via email, or on the internet, such, well…think again! Would that we ALL had a true staretz to help guide us through the wilderness of this life!!!

My other point–I think what JPII was referring to with the “two lungs” of the Church was the one lung of the Western (Roman) Catholic Church and the second lung of the Eastern Catholic Church. But, I could be wrong…someone please correct me if I am.

In Christ,
MinM

 

[Unity7]

My true desire is to find somewhere I can be at home.

Someplace where I have a rapport with the priest, who I can truly open up to and who can, through Christ, provide the spiritual guidance that I need.

Someplace where I can have rapport with the community. Where I can be an integral part of the community and not feel either completely out of place as I do in some (for lack of a better way of putting it) “ethnically focused” communities or lost in a crowd as I feel in some of the larger parishes I’ve attended.

If it turns out to be a community where I can feel free to integrate both my Eastern and Western private devotions, then so much the better.

I know that the Lord is guiding me! I plan to visit the Melkite parish nearby over the weekend and see how that is.

I realize that I do feel strongly about staying in union with the Bishop of Rome. Other groups just make me uncomfortable. I trust the magesterium and I don’t see the same level of clarity in other jurisdictions. I trust that is the Lord’s prompting too.

Alas! I know that the “perfect” community doesn’t exist: so what do I settle for? Which qualities are most important?