Ready to convert, but

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Phillyrod

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Greetings to all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

I am coming from the Orthodox Church (baptized, confirmed, and married there), ready and willing to come to the Catholic Church, but…there always seems to be a but.

I’ve attended the church in whose boundaries we fall several times, but the guitar music (didn’t Benedict XVI want that ended?) and happy clappy liturgy doesn’t come close to cutting it. I know that there are good churches out there, even a Latin Mass church close by, but I’ve read that in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia one should go to their ‘neighborhood’ church. Is this a hard and fast rule? I like the Western liturgy and would prefer that to a Byzantine parish, but what are my options? Can I go to the non-boundary Latin parish for RCIA or a NO parish outside my ‘boundaries’?

Also, do confirmed Orthodox have to go through the entire RCIA?

Thanks to anyone who can help, and I look forward to the day, God willing, when my wife and I can be in full communion with you.

In Christ,
RR
 
Boundaries are not a “hard and fast” rule. You can explore different parishes and rites to find the one you feel is suitable for you, but make sure once you find that parish that you register and start taking your RCIA classes there.

You may run into parishes, though, that may not allow you to register outside the boundaries. Byzantine parishes are fewer than Latin rite parishes, so you may have a better chance staying there.

God bless you on your journey home!
 
So far as music…

In our parish, the music often seems irreverent, and poorly executed. Or since they actually beat it to death and the composer is rolling over in his grave, perhaps I should say “well executed.” 😉

But…I keep reminding myself that we are not at Mass to be entertained. That would be a nice bonus, but that’s not the purpose. We are there to give glory and praise and thanksgiving to God.

To remind myself (and I do need reminding), I attend a children’s daily mass once a week, and there’s a children’s choir. For kids, they do well, and they try hard. But it does sound an awful lot like nails on a chalkboard. Not entertaining, not a bonus, for me.

But the real question is How does God hear this? Is it beautiful to him?

I would say that he reads the hearts of those who are involved, and the music becomes pleasing to his ears. And if He’s happy, I’m happy:)

And may God bless your journey!
 
Hello, Philly!
Code: 
 I am a cradle Catholic, so I may be able to help you somewhat.  If I were you, this is what I'd do.  Go to several churches in your vicinity, you know, within a comfortable driving distance for you.  When you find one that feels right to you, register with the parish and do your RCIA there.  I don't know what amount of RCIA training you will require since you are Orthodox, that would be for the priest to decide, I guess.  

Once you complete your RCIA and all that, *then* you can go to other parishes if you like.  I don't do this much unless I happen to be in the next town, it's Saturday afternoon, and getting my weekly obligation taken care of seems like a good idea to me.  I've also been known to go to other parishes at least once just to see how they do things and for a change of scenery.  Once you pick a parish you like, however, you will most likely *want* to go to that parish anyway for the simple fact that you like it best.  

You said that you do not like a "happy clappy" liturgy.  I can understand that, but at the same time, you have to go *somewhere*.  In my home parish of St. Mary's they had different music at different Masses every Sunday.  Maybe you'll get lucky and find such a church.  It's funny, there are times that I couldn't go to the Engish-speaking Mass because of work, and I would go to the Spanish Mass late Sunday afternoon.  I figure even though I can't understand hardly anything, Mass is Mass, right?  Well, I've actually got to where I *like* the music they use.  I'd go to Spanish Mass now without hesitation.  It's just easier to go to the English Mass, so I still don't go to the Spanish Mass unless I have to.  My point is, open your ears a little, and maybe you'll find that liking music other than traditional stuff is easier than you might expect.  That goes for anyone who prefers the traditional liturgy music. 

I hope my post helps you, and I pray that you find a chruch that suits you to a "T"!  Thanks for joining us, too.  With all the people we have leaving, we could use all the members we can get!  And Jesus thanks you too!
Tracy
 
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia definitely prefers that you register within your home parish (and some require that you live in the parish boundaries), but not all parishes are that strict, and they’ll allow anyone to register. It really depends on the parish.
 
Phillyrod said:
Greetings to all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

I am coming from the Orthodox Church (baptized, confirmed, and married there), ready and willing to come to the Catholic Church, but…there always seems to be a but.

I’ve attended the church in whose boundaries we fall several times, but the guitar music (didn’t Benedict XVI want that ended?) and happy clappy liturgy doesn’t come close to cutting it. I know that there are good churches out there, even a Latin Mass church close by, but I’ve read that in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia one should go to their ‘neighborhood’ church. Is this a hard and fast rule? I like the Western liturgy and would prefer that to a Byzantine parish, but what are my options? Can I go to the non-boundary Latin parish for RCIA or a NO parish outside my ‘boundaries’?

Also, do confirmed Orthodox have to go through the entire RCIA?

Thanks to anyone who can help, and I look forward to the day, God willing, when my wife and I can be in full communion with you.

In Christ,
RR
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Apart from the fact that I’m utterly baffled by anyone from a Byzantine liturgical background preferring the Latin liturgy, is it really a question of what you “like”? You are an Eastern Christian, whether you like it or not.

I would say that the same applies to parishes. Your parish is your parish, like it or not.

Of course, many RCs disagree with me.

Edwin
 
If your near the North East try St Matthews on Cottman… but go to high mass…
 
Phillyrod said:
I know that there are good churches out there, even a Latin Mass church close by, but I’ve read that in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia one should go to their ‘neighborhood’ church. Is this a hard and fast rule? I like the Western liturgy and would prefer that to a Byzantine parish, but what are my options? Can I go to the non-boundary Latin parish for RCIA or a NO parish outside my ‘boundaries’?
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I know that many an archdiocese is flexible on parish boundaries for these very same reasons. But, know that Christ is present in each mass, even though you may not agree with the manner in which it is celebrated. The Body of Christ is the reason for mass. The rest you can deal with. If it is permissible, check a few parishes in the vicinity.

Want to erase your objections forever? Go to a mega church and notice the barrenness without the presence of Christ’s Body and Blood. See the emotion attempting to compensate for lack of substance. See the espresso bar, the electric rock band, the affirming demeanor, the worldiness of it all. Then, go back to mass.

Christ’s peace be with you.
 
Phillyrod said:
Greetings to all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

I am coming from the Orthodox Church (baptized, confirmed, and married there), ready and willing to come to the Catholic Church, but…there always seems to be a but.

I’ve attended the church in whose boundaries we fall several times, but the guitar music (didn’t Benedict XVI want that ended?) and happy clappy liturgy doesn’t come close to cutting it. I know that there are good churches out there, even a Latin Mass church close by, but I’ve read that in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia one should go to their ‘neighborhood’ church. Is this a hard and fast rule? I like the Western liturgy and would prefer that to a Byzantine parish, but what are my options? Can I go to the non-boundary Latin parish for RCIA or a NO parish outside my ‘boundaries’?

Also, do confirmed Orthodox have to go through the entire RCIA?

Thanks to anyone who can help, and I look forward to the day, God willing, when my wife and I can be in full communion with you.

In Christ,
RR
Click to expand...
I don’t know what the official regulation is, however would still give you my opinion if I knew the regulation.

If the music and happy clap liturgy doesn’t come close to what you think would be proper worship of God, consider respectfully talking to the pastor about it. If they don’t give reasonable attention to your concern, then you have your answer. If they are not attentive to the nurturing and growth of your faith, is that where God desires you? Of course, we need to reflect on whether we are considering what we want, or what God wants. It should not be a matter of personal preference, it should be a decision based on how God wants us to grow in faith and serve one another, as you probably already know.

1 Peter 5:1-4 “Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

Our Lady of Lourdes parish has a Latin Mass, and the priests usually have excellent homilies (as is true for many other parishes). And the music is reverant. I go there often, while still registered at my geographic parish, and support both. Since I often attend daily Mass, not being involved or knowing the priests in one or the other parish is not so much of a concern.

Another consideration is thinking about involvement in a lay organization with like minded Catholics to encourage each other. There is a local OD in the Philly area, and surely there are other groups around the area.

As far as your RCIA question, don’t know the answer, though would think it would not be much of an issue?

God bless,

Michael
 
Phillyrod said:
Greetings to all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

I am coming from the Orthodox Church (baptized, confirmed, and married there), ready and willing to come to the Catholic Church, but…there always seems to be a but.

I’ve attended the church in whose boundaries we fall several times, but the guitar music (didn’t Benedict XVI want that ended?) and happy clappy liturgy doesn’t come close to cutting it. I know that there are good churches out there, even a Latin Mass church close by, but I’ve read that in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia one should go to their ‘neighborhood’ church. Is this a hard and fast rule? I like the Western liturgy and would prefer that to a Byzantine parish, but what are my options? Can I go to the non-boundary Latin parish for RCIA or a NO parish outside my ‘boundaries’?

Also, do confirmed Orthodox have to go through the entire RCIA?

Thanks to anyone who can help, and I look forward to the day, God willing, when my wife and I can be in full communion with you.

In Christ,
RR
Click to expand...
Also, I would suggest that you try to meet with the pastor of your “neighobrhood” parish before you go elsewhere. My own parish has some of the worst music I have ever heard in my 50 years as a Catholic (happy-clappy, lost in the 70s, guitar music) but our pastor conducts the most thorough, orthodox RCIA of any parish in our area. You might be pleasantly surprized. 🙂
 
I don’t belong to my territorial parish, but to one a few miles further away that is completely spiritually nourishing. When I registered there no one said anything about not living in the territory and it wasn’t a problem at all. But in this area I think I know more Catholics who DON’T belong to their territorial parish than ones who DO so it may not be typical.

I would suggest shopping around to find a place where you feel at home, then talk to the pastor there to see if you would be able to register as a parishioner. If he says you have to register in your territorial parish, then you know for sure.
 
Phillyrod said:
Greetings to all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

I am coming from the Orthodox Church (baptized, confirmed, and married there), ready and willing to come to the Catholic Church, but…there always seems to be a but.

I’ve attended the church in whose boundaries we fall several times, but the guitar music (didn’t Benedict XVI want that ended?) and happy clappy liturgy doesn’t come close to cutting it. I know that there are good churches out there, even a Latin Mass church close by, but I’ve read that in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia one should go to their ‘neighborhood’ church. Is this a hard and fast rule? I like the Western liturgy and would prefer that to a Byzantine parish, but what are my options? Can I go to the non-boundary Latin parish for RCIA or a NO parish outside my ‘boundaries’?

Also, do confirmed Orthodox have to go through the entire RCIA?

Thanks to anyone who can help, and I look forward to the day, God willing, when my wife and I can be in full communion with you.

In Christ,
RR
Click to expand...
You may not have to go through the entire RCIA. The pastor or RCIA coordinator may permit you to “fast track” if you have been a practicing christian and have knowledge of the fundamentals. They may want to work with you one-on-one or require you to attend some, but not all of the sessions of the RCIA. It depends a lot on the parish and the person in charge. Tell them your situation and see what they say. Good luck, and God bless.
 
Phillyrod said:
Also, do confirmed Orthodox have to go through the entire RCIA?
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Orthodox sacraments are valid, so you are already confirmed. You just need to come into communion with us. Welcome!

A baptized and confirmed practicing Orthodox should definitely not be made to go through the RCIA program. Be that as it may, you never know what a particular parish will do. It is often the case that they amalgamate all their programs and classes into one large thing called RCIA simply for practical reasons. If they feel you never received instruction in the faith, they might give you some.

They might fuss at you if you can’t secure documentation of your baptism, etc. They tend to fix this problem with a thing called conditional baptism.
 
po18guy said:
Want to erase your objections forever? Go to a mega church and notice the barrenness without the presence of Christ’s Body and Blood. See the emotion attempting to compensate for lack of substance. See the espresso bar, the electric rock band, the affirming demeanor, the worldiness of it all. Then, go back to mass.

Christ’s peace be with you.
Click to expand...
🙂 🙂 🙂
 
Pug said:
Orthodox sacraments are valid, so you are already confirmed. You just need to come into communion with us. Welcome!

A baptized and confirmed practicing Orthodox should definitely not be made to go through the RCIA program. Be that as it may, you never know what a particular parish will do. It is often the case that they amalgamate all their programs and classes into one large thing called RCIA simply for practical reasons. If they feel you never received instruction in the faith, they might give you some.

They might fuss at you if you can’t secure documentation of your baptism, etc. They tend to fix this problem with a thing called conditional baptism.
Click to expand...
I also beleive that if someone is entering the Catholic Church from an Orthodox background they have to become the Eastern Rite equivilant of the Church of their baptism. You can attend a Latin Rite church and receive sacraments and be registered in a Latin Rite pairsh, but it would be recorded that you are now an Eastern Rite Catholic (one of 22 rites in communion with Rome). I know when we get people entering the Church from an Orthodox Church we have to contact the chancery and fill our specific forms.
 
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