Exchange student from Slovakia looking for church in US

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My aunt has a foreign exchange student from Slovakia this year. I got a call from her because the young man wanted to go to a “Roman Catholic” Church. But she had taken him to her local regular everyday parish. I asked if she could figure out if he was used to one of the Eastern rites but he said no. I spoke to him on the phone then and he explained again that he wanted to go to a Roman Catholic church but that ALL the churches in their area were “just Christian”. I did explain to him that my aunt’s parish actually is Roman Catholic even though their style does seem to be more “American” or “Protestant” :eek: You all know what I mean here.

Now, the communication is a little challenging with this nice young man, but maybe someone here can help me out. I’m still not convinced that he isn’t used to an Eastern rite. But perhaps the way the Latin rite is done in Slovakia is just more traditional and reverant. That must be awesome. I did point him to our somewhat nearby St. Margaret Mary’s in Oakland that has 1) Ordinary Form in English 2) Ordinary Form in Latin and 3) ExtraOrdinary Form in Latin. So as far as good old Roman Catholic that’s the best we’ve got for him.

Does anyone know anything about the Church in Slovakia? What is he looking for?
 
I see now that he probably really does mean Latin rite Roman Catholic. I did a little search on the forums and found a thread that explains the regions of the country. I still would really like to know anything about the style of the Mass he is used to or any other helpful bits of info. Thanks!
 
Well even if his mass is in Latin instead of English… that may be a reason as well. They also may chant- no music… There may be insense, bells, etc. All these “little” things for us, could cause a BIG problem if we were to walk into something “completly” different in our opinion as well. I guess just tell your aunt to “church-hop” (lol) with him for a little bit… and then if hes STILL not happy. Tell him sorry buddy, but this is the best we got. Theres not much else you can do, because this isnt Slovakia, and I’m sure things are somewhat different. Hopefully he understands.
 
ljubim said:
I would bet money he means the Latin mass.
Latin Mass Directory

Hope you find one nearby! Sadly for me it’s 2 hours away:(
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Actually, it’s very hard to find a Roman Catholic Mass in Latin in Slovakia. Everything is in Slovak and the people are very happy with that. They will do an occasional hymn in Latin but other than that, it’s all in Slovak with plenty of guitars and other musical instruments.

He may also be looking for a Slovak priest 'cause he may want to go to confession.
 
Are you in California? Somebody mentioned St. Mary Margaret in Oakland. My priest (Byzantine Rite) is newly arrived from Slovakia. We’re in Sacramento. Maybe he could at least talk to him and help figure out what he needs. We’d love to see visitors. Let me know if you want the contact information.

Elizabeth
 
babochka said:
Are you in California? Somebody mentioned St. Mary Margaret in Oakland. My priest (Byzantine Rite) is newly arrived from Slovakia. We’re in Sacramento. Maybe he could at least talk to him and help figure out what he needs. We’d love to see visitors. Let me know if you want the contact information.

Elizabeth
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Oh Elizabeth that is such a God’s timing thing! The young man, Jacob, really needs to be in touch with a priest from Slovakia. He will only go to confession to a priest who speaks his language. I’m not sure why but he is adamant about it. He is not receiving when he goes to Mass. He and my aunt did go to St. Margaret Mary’s today and they loved it. But Sacramento is actually the same distance away from them in the other direction.

Please let me know who the priest is and the parish. THANK YOU!
 
I just saw my private messages. I will reply to you both as soon as I can!
 
jujubee said:
Oh Elizabeth that is such a God’s timing thing! The young man, Jacob, really needs to be in touch with a priest from Slovakia. He will only go to confession to a priest who speaks his language. I’m not sure why but he is adamant about it. He is not receiving when he goes to Mass. He and my aunt did go to St. Margaret Mary’s today and they loved it. But Sacramento is actually the same distance away from them in the other direction.

Please let me know who the priest is and the parish. THANK YOU!
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It sounds like you have figured out what he wants.

Just FYI Father Stanislaw Zak the pastor at St. Margaret Mary is a bi-ritual priest, Roman Rite and Byzantine-Ukrainian. He is originally from Poland. I have no idea whether he speaks any Slovakian. Last year he celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Margaret Mary with about 4 other Byz priests con-celebrating and Bishop Vigneron present. I think it was the 25th anniversary of permission for him to celebrate the Divine Liturgy . This year Fr. Ted from a Sacramento ECC came down and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Margaret Mary. I think he’s from Ukraine.
 
Ah thanks! Jacob went to the 10:30 and did get to speak with Father after Mass. He really enjoyed St. Margaret Mary’s. And turns out it was Confirmation Day so there was a lot to be a part of there.

Thank you for everyone’s contributions. I haven’t met him yet but he seems like a really great kid with an exciting future.
 
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