www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West "RCIA" for Eastern Catholics?

Hello!

I'm really new here. And honestly, I joined this forum to ask this question. But since waiting for my registration I've been reading around and I am finding the site very helpful.

A little background - I'm currently on my journey home to the church and pretty much church-hop between parishes. One of the parishes I have been to is a byzantine catholic. I know there is a ton of resources out there for joining the western church through RCIA, but I cannot find ANY resources out there that describe the process to join any of the Eastern Catholic churches.

Could someone describe the process to me? Also, I'm looking for a good book (like the Catechism or something simpler) to read about the Eastern Catholic Churches. Any recommendations?

Thanks!

-Matt

Ask the priest. For example, at my parish, we've got these old tracts like "carpatho-russian iconography" and "the divine liturgy", but they're hard to read. also, maybe you could borrow some books, too.

there is no need for "rcia". you can just join a parish without having to "convert" if you're already catholic, it's no big deal. you just join.

get involved in parish events like food sales and such, and you'll get to know folks better, and probably the priest too.

hope that helps.

Matt-

Welcome to our Forum and our Church!

I unfortunately can't recommend any book, but I'm sure others will. More importantly, I'd suggest that you attend Liturgy at the EC parish and ask the priest this same question.

In my parish, those who commit to joining are entered into the Cathecumenate. At the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, they are dismissed from the Church and a lay volunteer educates them in the basics of Byzantine Catholicism, and this happens every Sunday until baptism. This is if you're completely new to Christianity. If you're Catholic, all you need to do is go to Church there.

Does your nearby parish pray vespers saturday evening or Orthros Sunday mornings? If so, I would HIGHLY recommend that you attend one, or both, if you're really serious about understanding Byzantine Catholicism. There's a whole world of Christian education waiting for the atendee of these liturgies.

Markos

Hi, Matt! Congratulations on your pilgrimage to your spiritual home - the Catholic Church!

There are a few resources that I could recommend to you to consider to learn more about the eastern Catholic churches nd our spirituality.

The Light for Life Eastern Catholic Series [theobooks.org]

This series is perhaps the most comprehensive set of readings designed to introduce Eastern Catholics and those who are inquiring into the particulars of our faith. There are three books in the series: The Mystery Believed, The Mystery Celebrated and The Mystery Lived.

Additional Resources [theobooks.org]

This link goes into many of the publications done by God With Us Publications (combined with Sophia Publications from the Melkites).

Probably the best introduction I have run across is The Face of God by Archbishop Joseph Raya. Madonna House Publications carries many of his works, as well as the works of Catherine deHueck Dougherty, who also offers some wonderful introductions to Eastern spirituality for Western Christians. (Poustinia and Sobornost are good places to start.)

Madonna House Publications [madonnahouse.org]

Sophia Publications [melkite.org]

Probably the most comprehensive list comes from Sophia Publications out of the Eparchy of Newton. I believe that they also carry The Face of God text. (Madonna House does not list it on its site.)

Hope that helps! Of course, the most important thingto do is to attend services, pray, learn to pray the Jesus Prayer, use icons in your prayer, etc etc. The more you immerse yourself - step by step - in the tradition, the more you will be formed by the Church. Books are an aid, but they can never replace the experience of worship.

God bless you! I'll keep you in my prayers tonight.

Gordo

Thanks for the responses. I do appreciate them. Could someone explain the process though? I know that in the Latin Rite parished, there are different steps such as the Scrutinies etc. You first go to confession, then get baptized, then are confirmed, and receive communion. There are classes you take etc...

Does this differ from parish to parish in the Eastern Catholic churches?

Thanks for the book references. I'm going to order the Light for Life books real soon. I understand they are the "catechism" for the Eastern Catholics. Do you think the Philokalia are also worth a look, or are the strictly for Orthodox churches?

Sorry if my question seems repetitive. There just seem to be so many resources out there for the Western Church. I mean, I can practically download the entire RCIA process if I wanted to. Also, catholic.com has the entire process written out on "how to become catholic" but doesn't talk about the Eastern churches.

Thanks!

oh, for clarification. I was raised Presbyterian, and baptized a Methodist was I was an infant. I've got the certificate and everything, so I guess I don't have to be baptized again.

I'm not Catholic yet, so I can't just "go" to join. I guess you could call me a 'candidate'.

-matt

To be perfectly honest , you would be as well talking to a Priest or Deacon about this.

I came into the UGCC by way of Confession , Profession of Faith and Chrismation last year.

I have been a member here for simply aaaaaaaages [ before The Big Crash:) ] and though I have learnt a tremendous amount I can still surprise my GodPapa with things I do not know or have not read .

I'm sure that what happens for people who are non-Catholic , varies from Parish to Parish.

I would suggest that you find a Parish where you feel comfortable , with approacheable clergy and just take it from there.

Anhelyna

By the way ---- WELCOME

Dear Ossian,
Christ is Risen!

You asked about the process of formally joining Eastern Catholic Churches.

The process has similarities to the RCIA program of the Latin Church, but very much different in structure.

At our parish, a deacon meets with the prospective member(s) periodically and discusses specific aspects of the faith, Eastern Christianity, Tradition, and the Church. The Creed is investigated very much in detail, but that may vary from one parish to another.

When the appropriate sessions are completed and the pastor determines the person is ready, he/she will be received into the Church with formal liturgical services. If the individual is unbaptized, there will be a baptism. If one�s baptism is recognized by the Church, the individual will profess the Creed, be Chrismated, make a Confession and then receive Eucharist at the Divine Liturgy. It�s a beautiful occasion filled with much joy and celebration.

You should speak with your priest or deacon to determine the particular program in use at your parish.

The resources listed are good. Even more important is to become a regular participant in the liturgical services of the parish. And don�t forget to help out at nut roll baking, etc.

My prayers are with you,
Deacon El

Thanks. Your answers have helped. I'm gonna hang around the forum here to and read some more stuff, and maybe ask a few more questions here and there. ;-)

I've already made my mind up to join the Catholic faith. Now its just a matter of finding which rite is right for me. In my area, we're blessed to have the Novus Ordo, Tridentine Mass(FSSP), Byzantine Catholic, Melkite, and Maronite parishes.

I hear a lot of comments it seems about helping make bread and stuff. What is THAT about?! :-)