www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Fasting Before Communion

ps -- actually, Christ Teen, your posting and this whole topic of fasting before receiving the Eucharist has made me think more about the whole question of preparation before receiving Communion ...

Dear Brian,
Thank you for giving us that information. What do you mean by a "Dialogue Mass" by the way? I haven't heard the term.

Fasting is not the only aspect of Eastern Eucharistic preparation. Generally one who is to receive the Holy Mysteries should have been to confession and be reconciled to all.

Also proximate preparation is also practiced by saying the appropriate prayers. There is a specific office for preparation, which is generally Small Compline with the Canon of Preparation the night before receiving. Various prayers and Akathists are also said the day of receiving the Holy Mysteries.

C of S,

I am considering becoming a traditional Latin Catholic (not part of the SSPX, but a Latin Catholic that is a member of a Tridentine parish in full communion with Rome), an Eastern Catholic (I'm thinkin' Melkite), or the slim possibility of becoming a regular Latin Catholic.

It's a really tough decision for me, there are so mant "ifs" "ands" and "buts." Ultimately, I need to join whichever Tradition brings me closest to God, and right now that seems to be traditional Roman Catholicism, but it has been Eastern Catholicism before; it changes a lot. Before I convert I'll consult with both a Latin and Eastern Catholic priest, as I will need a lot of guidance in this matter.

ChristTeen287

But wouldn't you have to go through a basic "RCIA" program, even for the traditional Latin rite parish? Or, is there some way you could get some sort of special course approved in place of a regular RCIA if you did not wish to go through a "regular" Latin parish -- I am wondering if the Tridentine people have a class in place of the run of the mill RCIA. Anyway, best wishes on your 'journey' and whichever you choose, it sounds as if you really cannot go wrong, as you're obviously sincere and devoted. So, congratulations in advance ... as Saint Catherine of Siena once said, "All the way to heaven is heaven." (I have to look it up as to where that quote comes from - I just heard it quoted again recently!) Also keep in mind that even if you 'must' go through a 'regular' RCIA program in order to be part of the Latin church of either parish type and you're not happy with it, you can always supplement it as I am sure you are doing anyway, with your own studies. (In other words not to reject it just because you have to go through a less than optimal program doesn't mean it won't be worth it!)

Thanks for the well-wishes, C of S

I really have not done any research to find out whether one must go through RCIA even if he wants to enter into a traditional Latin parish. I haven't done any researching in exactly how to enter the Church (Eastern or Western) yet (but I do know of RCIA) because I don't know which sui iurus Church I'll join. Even if I did know, it would be a pretty difficult thing right now because I'm 15 (I'll be 16 in less than two months though). I've thought about it, and I have no idea how I'd have the time for RCIA right now, because it starts in September and goes on for months; right in the heat of my school season! After it's all decided, I may have to wait to join the True Faith after my graduation from high school, which is very depressing, but definitely worth the wait.

ChristTeen287

P.S.- Cradles Catholics really do not know what a blessing they have. There are people fighting tooth and nail to get into the Church, and many cradle Catholics couldn't care less if they belonged to it.

CT287:

I hear ya' Bro.!

Nevertheless, the Churches NEED Converts!

So, courage, perseverance, and full steam ahead!

herb.

plus, it's also a Great Blessing to Know what a Blessing you will have!

Anticipation!

Plus there is a great deal to be said for being in the Catechumenate. You get a whole litany to yourself, plus you get a special blessing/inclination! (and if you really want, you can skip the 2d part of the Liturgy!) (and I haven't even mentioned the 3 exorcism & the 3x Immersion!!! )

I suppose all this is only in the Eastern Churches of the Catholic Church, right Herb? How does the Latin (post-V2 or pre-V2) compare? How do they bring in catechumenates? I can't be rebaptized because I was baptized in the United Methodist Church as an infant.

ChristTeen287

Yep, as far as I know. Sorry. Are we back in the running?

Don't know, sorry.

herb.
Happy new Calendar Theodore the Studite Feast!

LOL, the Eastern Churches were never out of the running, but right now my spirituality is more in tune/more drawn to the Latin church. I feel more regretful and sorry for my sins inside the boundaries of Latin spirituality. As Our Lady of Fatima said, "Penance! Penance! Penance!" And I am more in tune with this from a Western perspective.

With that said, there are many things that draw me to the Eastern Churches that the Western Church lacks.

ChristTeen287

The Dialogue Mass was the Tridentine Mass that allowed the Congregation to make the responses that were usually the place of the Altar Server or choir to make. It was a feature of the late 50's and early 60's as a result of the LIturgical Renewel movement in some parishes.

The canon of prepararation does not belong in small compline. Small compline, for Saturday night at least, has its own canon.

The canon of preparation belongs in the Rule of Prayer before Holy Communion.

S Bogom -
Mark, monk and sinner.

Thank you, Brian, for letting me know what the Dialogue Mass is.

Dear ChristTeen,
No matter which you are 'in,' east or west, you can of course have devotions that are both eastern and western. Since as you say you are still young and very busy besides, you can take the time you need to keep growing spiritually, and since you are seeking guidance of spiritual fathers, too, that will be helpful in all matters of discerning and planning. It sounds as if you are very inspired and serious ...

Thanks for the advice, C of S.

Yes, I think that I am "inspried" to do what I can to strengthen the Church, my own faith, and the faith of others with whom I come in contact. I am quite serious when it comes to my spirituality and religion, because I think it is of foremost importance. However, outside of my spirituality, I am not serious at all. Actually, I'm the "class clown." I'm sure I manifest a serious attitude on this forum, but that's because this is part of my spirituality. If this forum were more recreational in nature I'd be a lot less serious. I guess you could say I'm a little dichotomous: I am very serious at times, but the majority of the time I am your normal (immature) fifteen year old.

ChristTeen287