Considering a transfer to the Byzantine Catholic Church

[Don_Ruggero]

For some background, tomorrow is my 5 year anniversary of entering into the Church and I have been having some kind of struggle lately with the Roman Rite, specifically devotions and the treatment of some aspects of our faith. Many who convert struggle with Mary and Marian doctrine, I can say that this was never a problem for me and in fact I would credit Mary with having the greatest impact on the ease of my conversion and enhancement of my faith. I have always been known as a major devotee to Mary.

Since December I have developed a great affinity for the Byzantine Catholic Church and strongly feel that I may end up transferring rites in the near future. Probably the #1 reason that I desire to transfer is because I have had a strong desire to deepen and grow in faith but it seems I am dead-ending in every way I have sought to do that in the Latin Church.

For 5 years I have been going to Daily Mass 6 days a week, have only missed Sunday Mass one time, pray the Rosary almost every day, go to confession at least once a month, regularly attend adoration, spiritual direction, etc. I don’t want to go on and on giving everyone my resume as a Catholic but every time I have asked anyone for advice on advancing in my faith life they just tell me to do what I have already been doing. Most recently I have just felt like my faith life primarily boils down to Mass attendance and a series of devotions. In case you are wondering, yes I have sought to discern a vocation to the priesthood and religious life (multiple dioceses and orders) and nothing has developed.

I am doing everything as prescribed and now feel more disconnected with the Roman Rite faith than ever. I’ll even go so far to say I am feeling Pharisaic as a Latin Catholic. Why I have become interested in the Byzantine Catholic Church is because I have had nothing but wonderful experiences, particularly as it relates to faith enhancement. The specific parish I attend is primarily comprised of former Roman Rite Catholics who have transferred to the Byzantine Catholic Church in large part for feeling like I am now. They have been very warm and welcoming and take a genuine interest in each other. It really starting to feel like home to me much like my original parish was only it is getting me far more engaged in my faith than I have ever been.

Has anyone else had such an experience?

As a priest, I promise to remember you in my prayers.

I would encourage you to explore this perhaps with your own Roman Rite pastor and then with the priest in the Eastern parish as he can help you to understand the implications of such a big step – especially in what concerns the adoption of the Eastern disciplines and the observance of the Eastern Code as opposed to the Western Code.

In any event, I agree that you might benefit from spiritual direction as you seek to deepen your spiritual life.

 

[Barb3]

WHY???

 

[babochka]

Try Opus Dei first.

This is an interesting recommendation I have no problem with Opus Dei and I even attend their recollections occasionally. While they are solidly orthodox, their spirituality is decidedly not Eastern. If someone is attracted to the liturgy and spirituality of the Byzantine rite,Opus Dei is likely not a good fit for that person.

 

[Kenny_Kamel]

I want to post to give everyone an update after a few months worth of prayer and reflection. Within the past month I have moved to Indianapolis and have been a regular fixture at Saint Athanasius Byzantine Catholic Church. I don’t think I am going to transfer rites anytime soon, if ever. I suppose my biggest issue is that I have had an incredibly difficult time finding any specific church/parish or other Catholic entity that adheres to a classic semblance of orthodoxy that I prefer. Where I have lived in Indiana and on the Illinois border I have come across nothing but a liberalized “brand” of Catholicism that frankly I hardly recognize. Aside from Saint Athanasius in Indy and the Carmelite Monastery in Terre Haute, I’m just not finding a place that is meeting my spiritual needs and otherwise.

Perhaps what has had the greatest influence on my contemplation towards transferring rites is the fact that the majority of people that I know at St. Athanasius Parish are former Roman Rite Catholics who had become so disenchanted with the liberal Catholic community in the area that they elected to transfer rites as a result. That is my personal perception and frankly I feel quite similar in mind, but after further consideration it is not to the point that I will be ready or willing to transfer in the near future.

 

[Angel_Gabriel]

I want to post to give everyone an update after a few months worth of prayer and reflection. Within the past month I have moved to Indianapolis and have been a regular fixture at Saint Athanasius Byzantine Catholic Church. I don’t think I am going to transfer rites anytime soon, if ever. I suppose my biggest issue is that I have had an incredibly difficult time finding any specific church/parish or other Catholic entity that adheres to a classic semblance of orthodoxy that I prefer. Where I have lived in Indiana and on the Illinois border I have come across nothing but a liberalized “brand” of Catholicism that frankly I hardly recognize. Aside from Saint Athanasius in Indy and the Carmelite Monastery in Terre Haute, I’m just not finding a place that is meeting my spiritual needs and otherwise.

Perhaps what has had the greatest influence on my contemplation towards transferring rites is the fact that the majority of people that I know at St. Athanasius Parish are former Roman Rite Catholics who had become so disenchanted with the liberal Catholic community in the area that they elected to transfer rites as a result. That is my personal perception and frankly I feel quite similar in mind, but after further consideration it is not to the point that I will be ready or willing to transfer in the near future.

Hello, I live up north of indy in fort wayne. I’m ukrainian caholic and my family nd I did transfer about 2 years ago. Our mission community is small but we try to be as traditional as possible. Not sure if a drive up north is possible for you but you would be most welcome if you did come visit. There is a parishioner in your church who does visit occasionally. FWIW, I totally agree with your assessment of liturgy in this area… I know that indy has a latin mass community as well as an anglican ordinariate in the same parish. We also have a latin mass community. Ultimately I chose to officially go east for several reasons but lots of people have found spiritual homes in those types of communities.

 

[mattp0625]

For some background, tomorrow is my 5 year anniversary of entering into the Church and I have been having some kind of struggle lately with the Roman Rite, specifically devotions and the treatment of some aspects of our faith. Many who convert struggle with Mary and Marian doctrine, I can say that this was never a problem for me and in fact I would credit Mary with having the greatest impact on the ease of my conversion and enhancement of my faith. I have always been known as a major devotee to Mary.

Since December I have developed a great affinity for the Byzantine Catholic Church and strongly feel that I may end up transferring rites in the near future. Probably the #1 reason that I desire to transfer is because I have had a strong desire to deepen and grow in faith but it seems I am dead-ending in every way I have sought to do that in the Latin Church.

For 5 years I have been going to Daily Mass 6 days a week, have only missed Sunday Mass one time, pray the Rosary almost every day, go to confession at least once a month, regularly attend adoration, spiritual direction, etc. I don’t want to go on and on giving everyone my resume as a Catholic but every time I have asked anyone for advice on advancing in my faith life they just tell me to do what I have already been doing. Most recently I have just felt like my faith life primarily boils down to Mass attendance and a series of devotions. In case you are wondering, yes I have sought to discern a vocation to the priesthood and religious life (multiple dioceses and orders) and nothing has developed.

I am doing everything as prescribed and now feel more disconnected with the Roman Rite faith than ever. I’ll even go so far to say I am feeling Pharisaic as a Latin Catholic. Why I have become interested in the Byzantine Catholic Church is because I have had nothing but wonderful experiences, particularly as it relates to faith enhancement. The specific parish I attend is primarily comprised of former Roman Rite Catholics who have transferred to the Byzantine Catholic Church in large part for feeling like I am now. They have been very warm and welcoming and take a genuine interest in each other. It really starting to feel like home to me much like my original parish was only it is getting me far more engaged in my faith than I have ever been.

Has anyone else had such an experience?

I would try to locate a Catholic shrine/church. Sometimes they have more events and generally reflect a deeper sense of tradition (if you find a good one).

As others noted, there is plenty of material out there to deepen your faith.

 

[angelic06]

I would try to locate a Catholic shrine/church. Sometimes they have more events and generally reflect a deeper sense of tradition (if you find a good one).

As others noted, there is plenty of material out there to deepen your faith.

The Byzantine Catholics are Catholic. No one here is discussing finding a non-Catholic community or church. Instead, the OP has mentioned his interest in transferring from the Latin Church to a Byzantine Catholic one.

 

[mattp0625]

The Byzantine Catholics are Catholic. No one here is discussing finding a non-Catholic community or church. Instead, the OP has mentioned his interest in transferring from the Latin Church to a Byzantine Catholic one.

The distinction here is finding a shrine.

 

[angelic06]

The distinction here is finding a shrine.

I see. I stand corrected.

 

[kdbueno]

Roman ‘rite’ approves you that the current Pope is the supreme Pontifical commander. Byzantine ‘rite’ pre-supposes you know that the Petrine office is currently under the Papacy of all those who are seated according to the procedure of the divine Papacy.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

Roman ‘rite’ approves you that the current Pope is the supreme Pontifical commander. Byzantine ‘rite’ pre-supposes you know that the Petrine office is currently under the Papacy of all those who are seated according to the procedure of the divine Papacy.

What are you trying to say, please? “Supreme Pontifical commander” – ? “Petrine office is currently under the Papacy of all those who are seated according to the procedure of the divine Papacy” – ?

The Petrine office is not currently under the papacy…it is identified with the papacy. The Pope exercises the Petrine ministry relative to (and collaboratively with) the College of Bishops, who act as the successors of the apostles. They are in communion with the head of the college, who is the successor of Peter and may act with and under him just as he may act personally…Lumen Gentium, 3.

The dioceses of the Roman Catholic Church and the constituent elements of the Eastern Catholic Churches each have and maintain koinonia with the Bishop of Rome.

Is it the selection of bishops in the Eastern Churches that you are perhaps referencing and how their elections are confirmed by the Bishop of Rome…possibly? Would you be so kind as to clarify the point in ecclesiology you are advancing? Thank you.

 

[kdbueno]

What are you trying to say, please? “Supreme Pontifical commander” – ? “Petrine office is currently under the Papacy of all those who are seated according to the procedure of the divine Papacy” – ?

The Petrine office is not currently under the papacy…it is identified with the papacy. The Pope exercises the Petrine ministry relative to (and collaboratively with) the College of Bishops, who act as the successors of the apostles. They are in communion with the head of the college, who is the successor of Peter and may act with and under him just as he may act personally…Lumen Gentium, 3.

The dioceses of the Roman Catholic Church and the constituent elements of the Eastern Catholic Churches each have and maintain koinonia with the Bishop of Rome.

Is it the selection of bishops in the Eastern Churches that you are perhaps referencing and how their elections are confirmed by the Bishop of Rome…possibly? Would you be so kind as to clarify the point in ecclesiology you are advancing? Thank you.

The Petrine office approves that St. Peter’s recognition approves that the councils under Vatican are recognized by the heavenly church. You pre-suppose a protestantism that is under the jurisdiction of Rome, which is not *finitely *possible.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

The Petrine office approves that St. Peter’s recognition approves that the councils under Vatican are recognized by the heavenly church. You pre-suppose a protestantism that is under the jurisdiction of Rome, which is not *finitely *possible.

I beg your pardon? I am presupposing what?

 

[scapularkid8]

I haven’t read the other replies, but upon reading your original post it appears to me that you have set too many expectations on what certain actions are ‘supposed’ to fulfill for you.

You mention that you haven’t grown in faith despite all of your intense devotion.

For me this raises two questions. 1) How does he define ‘growth in faith?’ This is not measured by us but by God. Even feelings of edification are a grace and gift from God that our spiritual devotions could never bring without His permission and free gift. Regardless, they are filled with merit whether we perceive them as moving us along spiritually or not.

1. What is the fruit of these devotions and their focus? By no means am I crying hypocrite. In fact, I think you are just the opposite. However, I especially struggle with this same failure to take adequate perspective of my spiritual journey. If I compare my spiritual life now to when I wasn’t engaging in any devotions at all in the recent past, what a blessed relationship I’m leading with the Lord compared to before. Yet my current devotional life is abysmal compared to yours or most other Catholics. What I’m trying to say is: meet yourself where you are compared to when you were more of a sinner, not where you THINK you should be. That is God’s business, not ours.

I think the issue of which rite you practice is completely missing the mark, and this is a chance God is presenting you to enter into a relationship through your current devotional life on His terms, not yours. I say this because I’ve been there and done that.

I could totally be wrong and if you think I am, then you may ignore me totally.
At the end of the day, nothing is stopping you from just practicing liturgically and privately as a Byzantine. There’s really no practical, much less spiritual need for officially changing your rite on paper.

 

[thistle]

The Petrine office approves that St. Peter’s recognition approves that the councils under Vatican are recognized by the heavenly church. You pre-suppose a protestantism that is under the jurisdiction of Rome, which is not *finitely *possible.

Do you realise that Don Ruggero is a priest? You should treat him with respect.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

Do you realise that Don Ruggero is a priest? You should treat him with respect.

That’s a very kind sentiment, Thistle. Thank you.

I used to lecture for years on ecclesiology but I am absolutely unable to grasp what the poster I was replying to is attempting to communicate. That was really the intent of my last post. The response I received was even less comprehensible than what I had already queried.

 

[AXO]

Roman ‘rite’ approves you that the current Pope is the supreme Pontifical commander. Byzantine ‘rite’ pre-supposes you know that the Petrine office is currently under the Papacy of all those who are seated according to the procedure of the divine Papacy.

This person has been submitting posts now which make absolutely no sense. I can’t see the point in letting him post unclarified non-related rubbish.

 

[Dmitri77]

I beg your pardon? I am presupposing what?

I think there may be a language issue here.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

I think there may be a language issue here.

I am in agreement that there is an issue. I am clueless, however, as to what the issue might be – just as I am clueless about what the person is endeavoring to convey. The two posts to which I have responded are utterly inscrutable.

 

[Dmitri77]

I am in agreement that there is an issue. I am clueless, however, as to what the issue might be – just as I am clueless about what the person is endeavoring to convey. The two posts to which I have responded are utterly inscrutable.

I definitely agree with you on that.