Is Switching Rites Possible?

[KPA]

My sister, a life long Roman Catholic has recently joined a Melchite Rite Church along with her husband. My superficial research tells me this church is in communion with Rome though I get conflicting notions from both sister and brother in law. For instance, when I suggested that the Pope is still the head of their church they informed me that they have a “Patriarch” and certainly implied a sense of autonomy that I was uncomfortable with.

Can a Roman Rite Catholic “switch” to Eastern Rite on their own?

Does the Melchite Rite profess faithfulness to the Holy Father in Rome?

Thanks

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear K,

The Melkite Church does enjoy some autonomy, but is definitely subject to the authority of the Roman Pontiff. See:

• philtar.ucsm.ac.uk/encyclopedia/christ/east/melk.html
  and:
• Melchites
  It is possible for a Catholic of the Latin Rite to become a member of one of the Eastern Rites, but only with the approval of the proper Church authorities.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.