Somehow in my pre Vatican II Catholic education I got the idea that all the Catholic churches and rites were equally ‘right’ and that a Catholic is at home in any Catholic church anywhere. For more than a year I’ve been attending a Byzantine DL a couple times a month not for novelty but I’m caring for a relative and it’s the ‘last chance Mass’ on Sunday afternoons. The first time I was pretty much lost but gradually learned the liturgy. Now I like it very much even though I go to Mass when I can because I like to keep up with my own rite’s liturgical calendar. A few things from the DL (I hope it’s ok to abbreviate) stick with me, like when the priest says that God is good and loves us all. I like to be reminded that He loves me and it makes me feel close to everyone there. And I like the prayers we say before Communion and that we sing most of the prayers. And I enjoy the people I meet there who are as friendly as the people in my own parish. I think it would be good if Latin Catholics were more aware of the other Catholic rites and churches. As an RCIA team member I point out that our rite isn’t the only one. This forum has taught me a lot.
