www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West What does it mean to be a "*** Rite" Catholic?

Hi all,

Here's one of those questions that been floating around in my head for years (keeping more important things out, no doubt!). What does it mean to be e.g. a Latin Rite Catholic? I understand the existence of the various Rites in the Church, but what I want to know is if individual Catholics are in any way bound to particular Rites. Is it strictly personal choice that defines the Rite a Catholic adheres to? Or is there more to it? Are Catholics expected to stay "faithful" to only one Rite, and if so, what determines which Rite that is?

Hope my question makes sense!

Hi Mike,

Glory to Jesus Christ!

I don't know if I completely understand what you're asking, but no, Catholics are not "bound" to be "faithful" to any particular rite. No rite is superior to another... as long as it's Catholic, we may attend a church of any rite we choose, and it will be perfectly valid and fulfill our obligation. I am technically still Roman, but I've been going to divine liturgy at a Byzantine rite church for almost a year now. I plan to change rites officially, but I don't have to. I could simply attend this church for the rest of my life and remain Roman Catholic on paper.

What rite you choose is a matter of personal preference, really... I find that I'm attracted to Eastern spirituality. I do think God WANTS me in the Byzantine rite, though. :-)

Hope this helps!

Karen

I believe I know what you are asking, but I am not certain I am the best one to try to answer it. (I hope those who know more will correct me if I am incorrect on a point. )

1. I believe that a Catholic child automatically belongs to the rite of his/her parents. That means that if your parents are of the "Latin rite" you are too. If your parents are of different rites, I think you belong to the one of your father.

2. In belonging to the Latin rite, (or any other rite) you are "bound" to obey the laws (e.g. fasting) particular to that rite.

3. As a "Latin rite" Catholic you have a "Sunday Obligation" to attend Mass in ANY Catholic rite...

This is just a beginning, but I hope it helps

PS As far as "staying faithful" to a particular rite, I think that is usually expected that someone will continue to "belong" to his ancestral rite, but one can change rites under particular circumstances or with special permission.

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Hello Mike,
One point I would make is that it is better to be consistant in one's religious practices and synchronized with the parish one chooses to attend. How you would work that out is difficult to say, but if you should decide to change churches it involves embracing the theological viewpoint of the new community and one should become immersed in the liturgical life there.

For instance, each church has it's own calendar and the holy days will be different. Also the length and number of fasts will vary from one church to another, so there is a difference between just visiting a sister church out of a sense of curiosity and wonder (or plain intracommunal spirit) and electing to join a new faith tradition. We must not skip the Holy days of the new parish just because "I'm not really one of them".

Once one has elected to make their spiritual home in another church Sui Juris it is not necessary to make an official change, but one should register and support that parish. Begin taking your confessions with the priest there. Finally, it is important to learn the local custom and praxis, don't bring your old practices with you. For example, as a Latin one might want to kneel at the words of Institution or Epiclesis, this should be avoided (it can be as inappropriate as a non-Roman standing up in a Latin church when the congregation should kneel).

Then get involved, volunteer in some useful way. Help with the landscaping or join the choir! Be an usher! There are many many many ways one can become a part of the faith community without the "Official Document".

In Christ
Michael

Shlomo Mike,
Actually, no Catholic belongs to a rite. We belong to individual Churches that help make up the Catholic Communion.

Within those Churches they may have individual rites (like the Latin, Mozarabic, Gallican, and Ambrosian rites of the Roman Church) inwhich they express their liturgical heritage.

Also, now days, parents have the right to enroll their Children in any canonical Catholic Church they choose, with the permission the their bishops/eparchs.

Poosh BaShlomo,
Yuhannon

Welcome, Mike S, to The Byzantine Forum!

The use of terminology like �Latin Rite Catholic� is common but it really isn�t correct. The correct terminology is simply �Roman Catholic� or �Latin Catholic�. Each of the different Catholic Churches (Roman, Byzantine, Chaldean, etc.) brings to the entire Church a unique and wonderful living way of being Catholic. All of these different approaches are equally Catholic yet each is a unique living organism complete with a distinct way of worshipping the Trinity and expressing doctrine. The term �rite� refers only to the particular rituals involved and is, therefore, a very incomplete description.

To be a �Latin Catholic� or �Roman Catholic� is to be a member of the particular Church which matured in Rome. It is to live following her distinctive way of being Catholic.

Is one bound to a particular Church? One is definitely enrolled in a particular Church and should, therefore, follow her customs and drink deeply from the well of her liturgy and doctrine. One is not, however, tied to that particular Church for life.

Is it strictly personal choice? Kinda. Sorta. One can certainly choose which particular Church they wish to live and grow in but many people who have moved from one Catholic Church to another Catholic Church speak of finding the place where the Lord want them to be planted.

Who determines which Catholic Church one belongs to? Those baptized into the faith as infants automatically become members of the same Catholic Church as their parents (unless the parents declare otherwise at that time). Those who convert as adults may choose which Church they wish to be enrolled in. Adults can make a change if they so desire and enlist the support of their pastor (who assists them with the paperwork). There is no canonical waiting period but most bishops ask that an individual be an active member in the new Church for at least a year before granting a change. This allows the individual time to discern that the new Church is where the Lord is calling him or her to grow.

Hope this helps!

Admin