Changing Rites

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thecatholicamer

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I have read that it is possible to change Rites and the process of doing so. I am discern a call to the Diaconate but I still have a few years till I am even eligible. I do not live in an area with a Eastern Rite parish but after I finish school I will probably move close to Indianapolis or Chicago. I know both of these areas have Eastern Rite parishes. My question is would it be permissible for me to switch Rites and become a Deacon in one of the Eastern Rites? Also could it be possible for me to be able to serve as a Deacon in both Rites like some Priests do? Thank you.
 
It is possible. But I must say it must be done correctly. If your change of ritual church paperwork is sent to Rome (which is no longer necisarry ) you will probably not be able to be ordained. Rome tends to include a prohibition to ordination in all change of ritual church paperwork. That said if the paperwork is done between the 2 bishops involved there should be no problem.

As far as your age goes that could be a problem. Most bishops require canidates for deaconal ordination to be at lease 30 pluss married for at least 10 years, or if planning to remain celibate to be at least 40.

It is permissible to serve in both churches with the permission of the 2 bishops.

Also most bishops would want to see you practice as a Byzantine for at least a year before change of church, and to be an active member of the parish for quite some time before allowing you to begin study for ordination.

Prayers for your journey!
 
I heard its permissible to become a deacon after switching Churches sui juris, but harder to become a priest. Since you can become a priest already in the Roman Catholic Church, then you’re not really changing sui juris to escape disciplines such as celibacy.
 
ConstantineTG said:
I heard its permissible to become a deacon after switching Churches sui juris, but harder to become a priest. Since you can become a priest already in the Roman Catholic Church, then you’re not really changing sui juris to escape disciplines such as celibacy.
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Not true! Either there is an impediment to ordination (and that includes all ordination deacon, priest and bishop) or there is no impediment. If there is a reason why you could not be ordained as a priest that same reason would bar you from being ordained a deacon.

In the East we do not see deacons as being “permanent”. You are a deacon. Now that deacon may someday be called to priesthood and maybe not. But it is ALWAYS a possibility.
 
thecatholicamer said:
I have read that it is possible to change Rites and the process of doing so. I am discern a call to the Diaconate but I still have a few years till I am even eligible. I do not live in an area with a Eastern Rite parish but after I finish school I will probably move close to Indianapolis or Chicago. I know both of these areas have Eastern Rite parishes. My question is would it be permissible for me to switch Rites and become a Deacon in one of the Eastern Rites? Also could it be possible for me to be able to serve as a Deacon in both Rites like some Priests do? Thank you.
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If you are changing ritual church and destined for the Byzantine Catholic diaconate USA, from the process I learned from my pastor is:
  1. Assist regularly in a Byzantine Catholic parish for two years and then apply for change of ritual church. If approved then it may be possible for you to:
  2. Fulfill with the admission criteria for the diaconate, including no impediments to holy orders given in CCEO canon 762:
byzcathsem.edu//deacon/deacon_requirements.php
intratext.com/IXT/ENG1199/_PL6.HTM

This requires being active for five years in a Byzantine Catholic parish, and one needs a college degree or equivalent, and age 32-65 at ordination which is proceeded by a five year program (one must learn theology and cantor and lector skills). If married it must be stable for eight years before admission to the program, and have written informed consent of the wife. One cannot marry after receiving holy orders.
 
thecatholicamer said:
I have read that it is possible to change Rites and the process of doing so. I am discern a call to the Diaconate but I still have a few years till I am even eligible. I do not live in an area with a Eastern Rite parish but after I finish school I will probably move close to Indianapolis or Chicago. I know both of these areas have Eastern Rite parishes. My question is would it be permissible for me to switch Rites and become a Deacon in one of the Eastern Rites? Also could it be possible for me to be able to serve as a Deacon in both Rites like some Priests do? Thank you.
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Our Subdeacon, who is also a deacon-candidate, was originally Roman.

It depends on the Bishops involved.

However: you need to become familiar with the praxis before making decisions to switch churches.
 
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!
I am a former Latin Catholic who, with my wife and family, transfered to the Byzantine Catholic Church about eight years ago. We were actively practicing as Byzantines for a little over a year when we requested transfer. It took close to a year for the paperwork to be completed. Two years after we became members of the Byzantine Catholic Church I was accepted into the Deacon Formation Program. I am now a Subdeacon completing my final assignments. Please pray for me and my family as I continue on my journey.
 
Thank you for the insight. This helps me a bit and prepares me for what is needed when the time comes. We are doing 40 hours of adoration at my parish; you and your family will be included in my prays as I kneel before our lord.

God bless
 
I’ve checked into this myself and chose to stay put because of my wife and the complications, especially the suspicious nature of the Vatican with married men changing rites. I’d accept ordination to the diaconate. I checked into this with a priest and he told me I’d have to be an active Eastern Rite before allowed to switch to show I truly feel called to it. Then I’d could possible begin inquiring about the diaconate. But ordination to the priesthood would provide barriers. Supporting a family would be an impediment to the priesthood for me anyway.
 
Oh I know if I were to go for the priesthood it would have many barriers to it. I have already discerned this calling before I met my wife but I do still feel called to a sense of serving. This is why the diaconate made sense and why I am discerning this now. I do love the Eastern Rites Liturgies and theology. Thank you for the information and I know it will help me in my process. God bless.
 
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