Latin liturgical rites, or Western liturgical rites, are a family of liturgical rites and public worship practices employed by the Latin Church, the largest particular church sui iuris of the Catholic Church. Originating in Europe, the Latin language once dominated, now known as Ecclesiastical Latin. The Roman Rite, founded by St. Peter in Rome around 42 A.D., is the most widespread of the Latin liturgical rites and is divided into an ordinary and extraordinary form.
The term Latin Catholic refers to followers of the Latin liturgical rites, with the Roman Rite being the predominant form. The Latin liturgical rites are contrasted with the liturgical rites of the Eastern Catholic Churches. The Tridentine Latin Mass, also known as the Traditional Latin Mass, is making a great comeback among Catholics of all ages. Byzantine liturgies tend to be more musical than Roman ones and involve a continual dialogue in song between the priest and congregation.
The Latin Rite, or Latin Church, is the part of the Roman Catholic Church that employs Latin liturgies. The Roman Rite is the manner of celebrating the Holy Sacrifice, administering Sacraments, reciting the Divine Office, and performing other ecclesiastical acts. The dominant Rite in the Latin Church is the Roman Rite, which goes back to the earliest days of the Church. As the Bishop of Rome, the Roman Rite is the head of the Latin or Roman rite, which is the largest rite in the Catholic Church.
In recent years, more parishes have begun, and the Roman Rite has become the nearly dominant form of the Latin liturgical rites. The term Latin Catholic refers to followers of the Latin liturgical rites, with the Roman Rite being the predominant form.
📹 Are Roman Catholics Welcome In A Byzantine Catholic Church? (East vs West Differences)
In this video, Father Tyler Strand covers the main differences between Eastern and Western Rites of Catholicism. If you enjoyed …
What is the difference between Latin Rite and Eastern rite?
The Eastern-rite Churches exhibit a variety of internal organizational structures, including variations in the role of the patriarch or major archbishop, approaches to bishop selection, and the presence of married priests. Nevertheless, these discrepancies do not impede the ability of Catholics to maintain their faith or communion with the See of Peter. Any Catholic is permitted to attend, receive Communion, and fulfill the holy day precept at any Catholic rite.
What do Latin Catholics believe?
The majority of Catholics in Latin America believe in transubstantiation, which translates the bread and wine used during Holy Communion into the actual body and blood of Christ. In almost every country, except Puerto Rico, over three-quarters of Catholics believe in transubstantiation. Uruguay has a smaller majority of Catholics. Catholics who attend Mass at least once a week are more likely to believe in transubstantiation, although both groups express this belief.
What’s the difference between Latin Catholic and Roman Catholic?
The Church of Rome is the primary reference point for the Catholic Church, with 24 distinct sui juris Churches. The Latin Church, which has adopted the Roman Rite, is more closely related to Rome. However, it is important not to associate too closely with Rome, as this could deflect from the Church’s universality and overshadow its diversity. The Catechism’s mention of the Latin Church reflects a growing awareness that Latin Rite Catholics are not the whole Church.
The Catholic Church contains a variety of liturgical rites and canonical practices, such as the presence of married priests in Eastern Churches and as an exception in the Latin Church. While it is common to speak of the Latin Church as the Catholic Church as a whole due to its size, it may help guide the Church in rediscovering Eastern traditions and practices, reclaiming liturgical and spiritual richness that has been lost in many ways.
Which is higher, Roman Catholic or Latin Catholic?
The Catholic Church and the Roman Catholic Church are, in fact, one and the same entity. However, the Latin Catholic Church represents one of the 23 churches under the authority of the Pope, comprising approximately 97% of the Catholic Church membership. The remaining 3% of Catholics are members of the remaining 22 worldwide churches.
Why doesn’t the pope like Latin Mass?
Francis defended the spread of the Tridentine Mass, claiming it had divided the church and exploited Catholics against the Second Vatican Council and modernization of the church. Roche’s office later clarified that celebrating some sacraments according to the old rite was forbidden. The new decree, signed off by Francis, does not further restrict the celebration but repeats what was previously declared. The decree’s insistence on Roche’s authority aimed to dispel traditionalist claims that the cardinal had exceeded his mandate.
Can Roman Catholics go to the Eastern Rite?
The Consecration of the Eucharist during the divine liturgy of Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches is valid. A Roman rite Catholic can attend Eastern Catholic liturgies and receive Communion without issue, fulfilling their Sunday/holy day obligation. However, Eastern Orthodox liturgies do not fulfill the Sunday/holy day obligation to attend Mass. Catholics should not receive Communion at Eastern Orthodox liturgies, except in certain circumstances. To distinguish between Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, contact the local diocese.
Are Roman Catholics Latin rite?
The Catholic Church, unlike the Roman rite, is composed of 23 distinct Churches or rites, with Eastern Catholics numbering around 16. 3 million. The Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches defines “rite” as the liturgical, theological, spiritual, and disciplinary heritage of each autonomous church, distinguished by people’s culture and historical circumstances, that finds expression in their way of living the faith.
Is Roman Catholic Latin rite?
The Roman Rite is the most common ritual family for performing the ecclesiastical services of the Latin Church, the largest of the sui iuris particular churches that comprise the Catholic Church. It governs rites such as the Roman Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours, as well as the manner in which sacraments and blessings are performed. The Roman Rite developed in the Latin language in Rome and has gradually been adopted almost everywhere in the Latin Church.
Uniformity increased due to the invention of printing and obedience to the decrees of the Council of Trent of 1545-1563. Several Latin liturgical rites that survived into the 20th century were abandoned after the Second Vatican Council. The Roman Rite is now the most widespread liturgical rite not only in the Catholic Church but in Christianity as a whole. The history of its Eucharistic liturgy can be divided into three stages: the Pre-Tridentine Mass, Tridentine Mass, and Mass of Paul VI.
It is now celebrated in the form promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1969 and revised by Pope John Paul II in 2002, but the use of the Roman Missal of 1962 remains authorized under the conditions indicated in the 2021 papal document Traditionis Custodes.
Is Pope Latin Catholic?
Pope, derived from the Greek word “papa”, is the title given to the bishop of Rome since the 9th century, serving as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. This title was previously given to bishops and priests, especially from the 3rd to the 5th century, as an ecclesiastical title expressing respect. In Eastern Orthodox churches, it is still used for the patriarch of Alexandria and Orthodox priests.
The official directory of the Holy See describes the pope’s office as Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Patriarch of the West, Primate of Italy, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Province of Rome, Sovereign of the State of Vatican City, and Servant of the Servants of God.
The title pope or papa (abbreviated PP.) is officially used only as a less solemn style. In Catholic churches, the pope is considered the successor of St. Peter, head of the Apostles, and has full and supreme power over the universal church in matters of faith, morals, church discipline, and government. This doctrine of papal primacy developed as the church developed, with Rome’s role as the imperial city until the 5th century and the religious and political role of the bishop of Rome afterward.
Is pope Latin Catholic?
Pope, derived from the Greek word “papa”, is the title given to the bishop of Rome since the 9th century, serving as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. This title was previously given to bishops and priests, especially from the 3rd to the 5th century, as an ecclesiastical title expressing respect. In Eastern Orthodox churches, it is still used for the patriarch of Alexandria and Orthodox priests.
The official directory of the Holy See describes the pope’s office as Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Patriarch of the West, Primate of Italy, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Province of Rome, Sovereign of the State of Vatican City, and Servant of the Servants of God.
The title pope or papa (abbreviated PP.) is officially used only as a less solemn style. In Catholic churches, the pope is considered the successor of St. Peter, head of the Apostles, and has full and supreme power over the universal church in matters of faith, morals, church discipline, and government. This doctrine of papal primacy developed as the church developed, with Rome’s role as the imperial city until the 5th century and the religious and political role of the bishop of Rome afterward.
📹 Which Type of Catholic Are You?
The Catholic Church is much more diverse than most people think! SOCIAL MEDIA: Blog: https://goo.gl/QuB4ra Facebook: …
Officially RC here but was raised in both “rites’ Latin and Byzantine (my mother’s side of the family’s rite). I’ve been attending a byzantine rite church each Sunday for years and love it. I can’t see myself going through the hassle of officially changing rites though-who needs more paperwork, headaches, bureaucracy when we are all Catholics.
Forty-nine years at this end attending Ukrainian Catholic parish, perhaps half of the Sundays of my adult life, now singing in their choir. I have tried but never adjusted to the reformed Latin Rite Mass, but God in his wisdom and kindness allowed us to buy a home a half mile from the Ukrainian church here. A seamless liturgy, total participation without the loss of any reverence, everything aimed at God and the sacrifice.
You talked about the extraordinary form mass, and then mentioned not trying to figure out the mass. Reminds me of the first time I went to Latin mass. I tried to figure out what was going on, I left the mass disappointed. The next time I was invited a friend told me to just sit back and enjoy it. That is all it took for me to fall in love with the Latin mass. I have felt the pull to the eastern church since having 2 friends who are byzantine to rite. I need to go out to Omaha some Saturday to experience this
Thank you Fr. Tyler Strand for your thorough explanation between the two different Rites. I am a Western Roman Catholic who attends the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Latin Rite aka the Tridentine Latin Mass and have been an Acolyte server for almost 3 years now. Our local Chaplin/Celebrant Fr. Peter Hrytsyk, whose a half Ukrainian Byzantine Priest from the Ukrainian Eastern Byzantine Catholic Church, has been celebrating the Tridentine Latin Mass in our Latin Mass community for almost 20 years now here in Windsor Essex, Ontario, Canada and we have been so bless to have him, especially celebrating his 50th Anniversary of Priestly ministry. I have also visited and attended a few of the Byzantine Divine Liturgies in his local Ukrainian Catholic Church Parish in the city and yes it is quite different, but has been an amazing experience.
Sound advice. I am from the RCC. Didn’t realize until a couple of years ago we had Eastern Catholic churches in full communion with Rome. Went to a Byzantine church twice. Both times felt more than welcomed parishioners, which were also very friendly and helpful . Same with the Maronite church. Sunday, I might be visiting a Ukrainian Catholic church. I found it best to just send an email with any questions. However, just like the article said, it’s your first time. Just take it in. I love learning more about our bothers and sisters in the Eastern Rite Catholic churches.
Father, thank you very much for a wonderful explanation of the Eastern liturgy. I’m a Latin rite Catholic and we do sometimes attend the traditional Latin Mass. We are lucky in that we are parishioners at a church where the Novus Ordo mass is done correctly. Our Lady of the Rosary in Greenville, SC. Our pastor is a former Anglican priest. He came into the Catholic Church I think about 12 or 13 years ago. The Mass is done beautifully ad orientem, incense, communion rail, the way I think the Novus Ordo was supposed to be. When it is done correctly and reverently it can be very beautiful. I am very appreciative of the Eastern liturgies. We attended a Maronite Church for many years before moving. When we are on a trip we go to an Eastern liturgy if we can. It is majestic and beautiful and you are quite correct, it brings you up to Heaven for a short time.
I am a Brazilian seminarian. As a baby, I was baptized in the Byzantine rite, as I am of Ukrainian descent through my mother, but I grew up in the Latin rite, and I am in a Latin rite seminary. When I am ordained a priest, can I celebrate the sacraments (especially the Eucharist) in both rites, or just in the rite in which I was formed? I also extend my question to priests who were baptized and ordained in the same rite, if there is any rule about this. Thank you for your content, it is helping me a lot in my training.
i went to my first bzyn mass last sunday i was invited by my friend to come and i loved it its was very different but i just copied whatever ppl were doing its funny too cuz i only knew what part we were at is when they stared reading the bible lol im still pulled towards the roman rite but im glad i got to go to one atleast once
i think the way the maronites administer communion (by intinction) is, in practical terms, the best way to go about it. only, if the roman church were to adopt this practice as its ordinary way people would have to stop taking communion in the hand and receive on the tongue; something i don’t think some people would not be very happy about.
From a Byzantine Catholic catechumen: I find the title disheartening and ludicrous. Our faith is not a competition but a family. Why would my brother not be welcome in my home? True, many in the West have treated their Eastern brothers atrociously over the centuries; however, that gives us in the East the opportunity to “forgive those who trespass against us”. Please, come and join us, the candles, the incense, the icons, and the chant. Christ is risen! Indeed he is risen!
I am a Roman Catholic blessed to also have a Byzantine Catholic church in my neighborhood. It’s wonderful! I wish Byzantine churches were as common as Latin Rite, but there are so few. Even large states like Texas and California have few. I think Florida has only two? If they were everywhere, I might petition to change rites, but there is no Byzantine church near anywhere I want to retire. Holy Theotokos, pray for us!
Hey father im confirmed in riman catholic church but all the horrors of the novus ordo and the disrespect to Our Lord in the Eucharist i left and my sons are now confirmed byzantine. The parish we attend treats the eucharist like it should be with reverence and love. Our priest is one of the finest men i have ever met. Glory to Jesus Christ!
Hi, for the last year have been attending mass every week. And a divine litergy as well right after I come out of mass. Could I remain biritual? For example, one of the priests that celebrates the divine liturgy at the byzantine church in my town also occasionally celebrates mass when needed in the Roman church in our town.
Are Roman Catholics welcome? Absolutely. But kindly leave your latin supremacism at the door. We don’t need to hear your idea about how it would be nice for everyone to pray a rosary before the Liturgy starts. Let roman devotions stay in roman churches and come check out ours with an open mind, willing to experience and explore our tradition as it was received, rather than finding ways to personalize or tweak it by latinizing it. I speak from experience after we had a bunch of trad romans recently come through the parish.
I’m a Roman Catholic writing from Kandahar, Afghanistan. I came across this website by chance and fell in love with it. I watch and listen to each article fascinated with the harmony displayed in the meticulous choice of words to describe goodness, truth, and beauty. Each article is like a gift, wrapped with Tradition (Sacred and Oral), logic, and objectivity and adorned with honesty, authenticity, integrity, and love.
I am a Chaldean Catholic from the North of Iraq. I absolutely loved this article! It was great to learn more about the different rites and the autonomous churches. Even though my family are Chaldean we practice as Roman Catholics in the UK due to there not being many Chaldean Churches where we live. I’d be super keen for a article going into more detail about the rites and the autonomous churches
Melkite Catholic 🙂 Living in the US, it’s a hard thing because the parishes are comparatively few. The nearest is five hours away from me. So, I used to take my children to Melkite liturgy each week, then we moved and it became a Maronite liturgy each week but now I am taking them to Roman Mass. It’s been interesting to see the commonalities and the differences. It’s remarkable to see how few Roman Catholics even know we’re part of the family! Thank you, Father, for this article
I’m a Roman Catholic by choice or rather God’s choice. I married into a RC family in 1970. By Christmas 1972 I woke Christmas morning and said I wanted to become a Catholic. Christmas eve 1977 I was received into the church. 😊 But I’m sure my journey started years before that I had even met my husband. At 17 years of age I had my first visit to Rome on a camping holiday with my family who were not religouse. I thank you Brother for very interesting articles. At 72 years of age and now a widow, the 40th anniversary of my conformation is on 7th November.😊
My grandparents are Roman Catholic, my parents were raised catholic but are agnostic, I was baptized in the Roman Catholic church at the age of 7, in 2007, and I’m getting confirmed next year at 19. I’m from Spain and have always lived here, and I had never heard about other Catholic churches apart from the Roman, so thank you Brother! This really opened my eyes and perspective about our church.
Hello brothers and sister i am maronite catholic from Lebanon and i have some notes here : – The maronite church has been in full communication with rome and the holy see since the 4th century and never left since ! – the maronites were never orthodox before …. its the first time i hear this lol God bless us all !
I was bought up as a Syro Malankara Catholic and went to Syro Malabar Catholic Mass few times a year because my mom is from Syro Malabar. I went to School which had the Roman Catholic rite. I am now married into Syro Malabar Catholic church but attend the other two rites frequently too. I have always marvelled at the Unity and diversity of the Catholic church. I am very interested to know more about other liturgies of the rites outside India. I love my Catholic faith and the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
I am a Ruthenian Catholic. Growing up in a Dutch Calvinist tradition, I become attracted to the early church and find a home in the Catholic church. There can be no better way for us Catholics to fully breathe from two lungs other than worshipping together and experience liturgical rites and spirituality that distinct from one another while universal in essence. For next article maybe the liturgy of St James because it is the oldest liturgy from the brother of our Lord.
My maternal Great-Grandfather prayed in Aramaic religiously and could speak a little Greek and German and NONE of us could figure out why. Come to find out he was a third generation American and after digging around through old notes and asking a lot of questions I found out that only the men in his family could. Unfortunately that tradition died with him and his brothers. I remember going to a couple different Orthodox churches in Tampa with my Great-Grandfather as a child (6 or 7) and he had my baptized at one as well. Though later in life my Great-Grandfather stopped going to church altogether he spent the rest of his life praying almost constantly. I always considered myself Methodist but after finding out what I have and doing some family research, I’m a descendant of one of the Syriac Rites. 🤷🏻♂️ Just goes to show what can get lost in the sands of time. And why it was such a secret, we’ll never know unfortunately. Thank you so much for adding to my knowledge bank. It actually gives me more leads to follow up on. I’m pumped! 👍🏼 Bless you Fr. Casey!
I’m not a Christian, but I think its awesome that you’re laying out some of the lesser known facets of Christianity for people. It doesn’t bother me when people have issues with Christianity, but it does bother me when they don’t have any real understanding of what it is, or I should say, the many many things that it is. Even if someone watches your articles, still dislikes Christianity, but now has a better understanding of it and the people, I think thats a win.
I too was born, baptized, received my first communion and was confirmed Catholic. In all those years the nuns were all beautiful and loving. All the priests and in particular a Monsignor were excellent shepherds and taught me and all the children about Christ and his Church. I am a happy Catholic Christian because of them, my parents and grandparents.
As always thank you for the article. It’s just crazy how little we know about our own religion! I’m an italian Roman Catholic, currently attending university in Milan. Here the rite is slightly different from your standard Roman Catholic: it’s called Ambrosian (started by saint Ambrose) Catholic Rite. Is this a Latin rite variant? Where does this come from?
I worship in the Anglican Communion. Our liturgy is virtually identical to the RC liturgy. We also acknowledge the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and I know that the Pope has had great fellowship with Anglicans over his many years in ministry. We also believe in the catholic church…with a “little c”. I understand the differences are relatively minor, so I pray one day we will be able to share Holy Communion together.
Father, thank you for taking the time to teach the faithful of the Latin Rite about their brother and sisters in the Eastern Rites. I am an Armenian Catholic seminarian from the USA, finishing my 6th year St the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome (2nd year Theology). I love inviting my classmates to our liturgies, which will allow them to appreciate the diversity found in true unity in the Catholic Church.
I was raised in the Mormon church and recently started attending the Episcopal church when Lent started. I don’t know which Catholic church or break off is the one I need to attend, but I can tell you I have absolutely fallen in love with the liturgy and Eucharist and the congregants are really great. The coronavirus has impeded our gatherings so I have enjoyed searching youtube for all the teachings from Catholic priests and professors. I am learning so much. Thank you
Thank you. I am a Mexican American with indigenous and Spanish cultural roots, and Catholic. Having all these identities makes being a Christian challenging when other Catholics do not recognize the difference between our God led journey and Cultural (often hedgemonic) ideals. I appreciate your perspective for that reason.
To my brothers and sisters from the See of Saint Mark: Hail! I’ve missed you, I’ve missed you so much :*) I am Roman catholic and native American, I’ve missed you all so much! To eastern Catholics: hello, I am studying with some melkite Catholics, I’m so happy to find you, I’ve missed you, I love you! I’ve missed all of my siblings in Christ :*)
I was raised by my Grandmother…we spent a lot of time in the Catholic Cathedrals when I was a kid..and I loved it..I am still Catholic…I grew up in California and I still live here..I’m just a regular Catholic..lol..lol..!!!! I’m planning a trip ti the Vatican..I hope I can meet the Pope !!!! AND, my favorite singing group THE Gregorians !!! I LOVE THEM !!! ( I’m a girl ) but I want to visit a Monastery, and some Convents too !!!
I’m Roman Catholic from Indonesia. 100% Catholic, 100% Indonesian. In the countries I visited, a Catholic Mass is one thing that makes me feel at home wherever I am. Currently living in Ohio, going to the Mass everyday and receiving the Daily Bread help me live my life joyfully for the Living Bread sustains me during trials and tribulations. I’m so blessed for being Catholic. Thanks for the article, Fr. Casey. We pray for you (and Fr. Patrick) everyday. God bless ❤❤
Very interesting. I come from Ireland, the center of the ‘Celtic’ Church which was absorbed into the Roman Church at the Synod of Whitby in 666 AD. The Irish church converted the Scots and the North English to its version of Christianity which differed from Rome in terms of the Easter date and Tonsure style. It was a Monastic-based system. The dissatisfied St. Coleman after being defeated at Whitby removed himself to Iona firstly and then to the West of Ireland with a mixed congregation which included Saxon monks. There still remains in the West of Ireland 2 Monastic Ruins known as ‘Tí Sacsain’ i e ‘The House of the Saxons’. The Irish monks played a big part in restoring Christian learning throughout Europe after the ‘Dark Ages’. There are Irish Monastic Houses all over Europe to this day.
Hello Father, Your articles are soooo informatve and well – prepared. I am impressed by your professionalism. Thank You for the portion of knowledge, enriching our faith. It is amazing to learn something new every time. This is a very valuable content, especially for people who hadn’t studied theology, but are interested in teaching of Catholic Church, it’s beautiful history, theology and culture. It is a little online course I am enjoying a lot!!!!!! THANK YOU.
Person that “run away from church” here. Just dropped a comment to say it’s very interesting to know there are more than one “types” of catholics out there. Not even knew there were more ways to perform the religion. Also, glad to see a website that actually explains the meta. We need more people explaining religious institutions out there instead of just making praise articles or being only about (sorry for the word, don’t know any synonym for it) circlejerking. And away I go to the next stop on the Quarantine Express. Peace
They’ve never spoken Latin? To be fair the Roman rite for most parishes barely speak Latin anymore in the Novus Ordo mass. SAD! EDIT: I found one parish in a neighboring diocese that has a Novus Ordo mass with ad orientum, communion rails, and all of the hymns are in Latin! It is what I believe to be what Vatican II intended for the mass to be when they created the new form! It is so beautiful I’m in love!!
Fun fact time! In the last two years, I lived for a few motnhs in Jerusalem, Israel. I went there mostly to Roman Catholic Church in Polish convent, and became friendly with the elizabethan nuns who run the whole thing, as there weren’t many expats to hang out with. During one of my visit, I met a priest (I think he was a franciscan father, simply because there is an abundance of franciscans in Jerusalem, as they have the custody of the Holy Land) and was astonished to learn that in addition to being a friar and a priest in a roman catholic church, he as also a bishop to one of the eastern catholic churches in Jerusalem, simply because he happened to be a scholar in the field – had all the knowledge about the rites – and was living in the right place at the right time. It was one of the small churches (so that excludes Armenians, Ethiopians and Erythreans, as they are high in numbers in this area), which didn’t have anybody else suitable for the role at the time. Makes you realise how closely knitted we are to one another if a priest from one denomination can become a bishop in the other.
With regard to the importance of realizing the diversity of legitimate types of ancient Christian practice, my own church (the Eastern Orthodox Church) has a long way to go in that regard, but over the course of the 20th century, we’ve set up a few “Western Rite Orthodox” parishes where the Tridentine Mass is done in English. I view this as a very heartening thing.
Very insightful article. As someone who discovered the richness and beauty of eastern spirituality after attended an orthodox community last year, I’ve always encouraged my fellow Latin catholics to spend more time among them. you can learn from a book, but you can’t truly grasp it until you’ve lived it. Fast, eat, pray and worship as they do, then you’ll begin to understand. However, I highly recommend seeking out an ‘eastern catholic’ church, not an ‘Orthodox church’. That way you can receive the Eucharist and you’ll avoid the severely anti-Catholic elements that are unfortunately very common among our Orthodox brothers and sisters. It’s not fun experiencing discrimination simply because you’re Catholic.
Hi there, I was raised in a very relaxed protestant family (I can’t even remember which branch) and haven’t had much personal exposure to catholicism outside of a few friends and your articles. I find it much more engaging with its vast history and tradition, and would very much like to participate, but am worried I may not be able to handle to commitment to begin with. Obviously your path in the Church has been much more involved than most, and would therefore require a greater devotion of time and will, but what is generally involved with being a good average catholic? I’m sure this question sounds somewhat sinful, almost “how can I be saved with the least amount of effort,” but I would at least like to know before diving in head-first. I also do not drive currently and am not within walking distance of a catholic church of any kind to my knowledge (at least 10 miles at best), so that may be a potential issue for providing full devotion. Hopefully this question can reach someone knowledgable, you or otherwise, and I can find a more meaningful form of devotion in my life. Thank you, and God bless you.
Shlomo (Peace be with you), Just a couple of corrections. Not all of the Eastern Catholic Churches “broke” away from other Eastern Churches. My Church the Maronite as well as the Italo-Greek Albanian Church have no counterparts in Eastern or Oriental Orthodox Churches. Further, while you do for the most part focus on us as sui iuris Churches, starting out with stating we are “rites” is incorrect. As stated in 1999 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: “We have been accustomed to speaking of the Latin (Roman or Western) Rite or the Eastern Rites to designate these different Churches. However, the Church’s contemporary legislation as contained on the Code Of Canon Law and the Code Of Canons Of The Eastern Churches makes it clear that we ought to speak, not of rites, but of Churches. ” Some great resources on the Eastern Catholic Churches is the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) which puts out One Magazine and byzcath.org which is a board used by Eastern Catholics no matter which Church they belong to as well as others. Also if people wish they can contact me, I was one of the first Eastern Catholics that did a presentation for World Youth Day. My paper on Evangelization was used by both my Eparchy (Diocese for you Westerners) and the Melkite Eparchy as the official guide for Evangelization efforts. Fush BaShlomo (Remain at Peace) Shawn (Yuhannon in Aramaic)
Question…you stated, “the true focal point of the mass is the altar (and what happens on it), not what was consecrated at a previous mass. I agree what happens on the altar is beautiful and our main focus when it is happening, but I believe our Sacred Body of Christ of previous masses or current should ALWAYS be in the front not set aside as if it is a used piece of clothing waiting to be reused again. I am very saddened and it breaks my heart to hear many priest say this same statement. This is why I believe the devil is influencing the church. I believe we SHOULD be kneeling at all times in the presence of Christ at the center of our church. As King and the King’s thrown should always be front and center. He is still there, past or present, glorify Him in the CENTER of His home…all of his homes! In our hearts, in a building or outside. I am sorry that you believe traditions and rituals are part of history or someone ideas. To me I don’t care about traditions, I only care to do what I feel is necessary to respect our Lord Jesus Christ. Front and center and kneeling before our Highest Holy of Holies!
I am a Roman Rite Catholic that wants to go East. The Byzantine Rite is my preferred rite. But I will say the Marionite Rite is quite beautiful to hear the last supper account in a dialect of Aramaic! What I hate the most about what the Orthodox say. They group every Catholic and refer them as Roman Catholic. Edit: within the Latin Rite. The Catholics that only attend the extraordinary form will call themselves traditional Latin Rite Catholics. (I consider myself more closer to traditional Catholicism in the Latin Rite).
I was a seminarian and had a hobby that sometimes distracted me to get into my seminarianhood deeper or i do get into that but felt lacking of “fame” If somebody didnt apreciate what i had done. Or even, i felt like empty when i was forced to not do that. And soon, i lost focus. I really like all of your articles brother, but i just want to remind u, keep up with the prayer, all the livelihood of a friar.. And not to be sucked into your hobby making articles bro casey. It is addictive sometime. Stick on to Mary and may God bless your vocation..
I am an Armenian Catholic Deacon, i really love your article exemplifying the different Catholic rites besides the Latin so well known in the west . it would be interesting to see a article regarding the East Canon Law that our Churches follow compared to your Roman Catholic Canon in the west. Հայ Կաթողիկէ Եկեղեցի !!!!!!!!
im an orthodox christian(byzantine right and if im not mistaken its the greek denomination) although im in south america there are some small comunities here that brought the eastern orthodox catholic faith with them from ukraine,greece and russia, im not conected to any of those peoples i just converted after going to a service and deciding it was where my faith was.
I live in a city in the United States with at least 1 church of 5 different rites within a 15min driving distance. I’m truly blessed in that regard, but was unfamiliar that these rites even existed until maybe 2 or 3 years ago. Despite being a cradle catholic in an area with lots of Catholics of various rites. I find this topic very interesting. Thank you for the article.
I am an Ambrosian Catholic, you forgot the rite peculiar to the Archdiocesys of Milan (it takes the name from St. Ambrose, that is believed to be the founder of the Diocesys). We are the only Italians to follow a different Rites calendar (for example 6 wek advent instead of 4 week, different sequence of the reading in the Lent sundays, Fat Thursday instead of Fat Tuesday, Ashes is the first sunday of Lent…)
I’m a Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic from western Pennsylvania. In and just outside of the seat of the county where I live, there are six Catholic churches: my parish (Ruthenian Byzantine), a Maronite Catholic church across the street from my church, and 4 Latin rite Catholic churches, three of which were founded by immigrants in the early 20th century along ethnic lines.
Strong work Br. Casey! I only which you couldn’t added in the beginning that those other “churches formerly connected with Orthodox now considered in full communion…” as it implied they had just come in communion when the all Orthodoxy where part of the Catholic church from the begining. Lastly, from what I understand technically, the Maronites never left full communion from the Holy See.
Excellent article. Straight forward and easy to understand. Raised Russian Orthodox and went to Catholic parochial schools through high school. Before non-Catholics were generally allowed into Catholic schools the Sisters presumed I was an Easter Rite Uniate Catholic. My father didn’t abuse them of their error so I could continue to have and excellent education with various teaching Orders of nuns and the Jesuits. Later went to seminary/divinity school and chose neither path and was ordained as a Buddhist priest.
I visited Goa and Karila provinces in India and visited the Church of St Thomas the apostle who went to India after Pentacost, they say. I think he brought Christianity to India and the Portuguese brought Roman Catholicism, largely through intermarriage and community Churches. I had such a powerful feeling of love and grace when I went to this foreign country 40 years ago, but was united with them as a Catholic family through our Mass. In Christ there is no east or west, as the hymn goes.
As someone who grew up in an admittedly tepid and boomer-ish Novus Ordo Roman Rite Catholic parish, I’ve since branched out and have been to some of the most beautifully reverent NO Masses I can find (try college Newman centers, the young Catholics love tradition), and while I’ve yet to go to a TLM in a parish that’s in full communion with Rome, there’s a rectory here in KC that’s part of the ICKSP I plan to go to, and when I want a liturgy that’s different from my norm, I love going to a Ruthinian Byzantine Rite church here in KC. Ultimately, I plan to go to at least one liturgy in every rite in the Catholic Church!
Hello. Guess what? I belong to a rite that you’ve forgotten: the Exraordinarian Rite. I worship using the Extraordinary form of Mass. In case you didn’t know, that was the rite that nurtured and fed the vast majority of saints in the Roman Church, let’s say from around the end of the 1st century, c. 80, until about 1970. Hey, it even nurtured St. Francis of Assisi! I love it, primarily because its spirituality is focused on the eucharist. It is very quiet and contemplative. The Roman Rite today focuses in on noise, clowns, jokes, 60s folk rock, and beer and pretzels as sacraments, all from the altar. Anyway, thanks for sharing! Many blessings.
Within the Roman Rite, it is important to remember that are variations as well. There is also the Mozarabic Rite of the Church in Spain as developed under the Islamic Caliphate when the Church in southern Spain was isolated from its Brethren and maintained their loyalty and communion to Rome. Now, as of the reintegration of previously Anglican churches has started, the Church recognizes the validity of the Anglican Rite as practiced by those in communion with Rome, as a variation of the Roman Rite.
The Ruthians the Byzantine rite is Catholic and in communion with Rome. I have been to the Divine Liturgy and it is beautiful and if you have one in your area attend it. You fulfill your Sunday obligation by attending. Although receiving communion is a little different. The Divine Liturgy is sung and is much longer then the Latin rite
The armenian catholic church is truly intresting. My family is a mix of armenian and syriac catholics who got married with each other throughout the years. One info I would like to share is that Syriacs and Armenians understand each other very well since they both had a similar history of fighting for their beliefs in christ despite everything that happened. (Also people confuse between Syriac and Syrian. They are 2 different things, growing up people always mixed these together) Thank you for spreading knowledge about the beauty and diversity of the catholic church. We are all parts of the body of christ. At the end of the day we are united with Him.
Impressed by the depth of your knowledge! Two thousand years of Church history are hard to grasp at once. It is a bit sad that each rite is somewhat closed on itself and doesn’t teach about the others. Following the fall of Wester Roman Empire, the Oriental Empire kept going and the two Churches separated. The Catholics had built on Roman traditions and landmarks, see the date of the Christmas, or the location of the monumental fountains. The Church kept alive a cultural bridge along the Middle Ages, but it did a great damage to themselves with the Inquisition tribunals or by endorsing textbooks like “The Hammer of Witches”. But they did a great job of bringing culture and religion in the most remote areas of the planet. An institution aiming to do good with nothing in return – there aren’t many. With great philosophers, social scientists and artists on their side, the Catholic Church could have done much better and, by use of some diplomacy, psychology and far-sight attitude, they could have easily avoided the schism of 1534. But Clement VII was nothing of the sort; Henry VIII was a fervent Catholic and the Pope could have used this with ease; but no, he behaved like a spoiled child, producing untold damage to the Church as a whole. This trend hasn’t faded; to this day, there have been Popes that are hard to accept as Representatives of Our Lord on Earth. I would have expected that, in the age of global communication and Internet, our Church would have used the new means to spread the meaning of our Religion to everybody, especially when we have global problems and everybody is looking for a meaning to their own existence; but no, I see a dangerous and inexplicable void.
I really like these websites that you have… The ideas and… You… In reality I used to be a protestant, and nowadays I’m more of an Ancient Egyptian beliver, but when I watch your articles… I can’t help but feel guilt of some kind… That I’m a bad person for not trully believing in the old religious traditions of my ancestors. And that I’m everything Jehova specifically tells us not to be. Without getting into too personal detals, I’m a sinful soul, I’ve been blaming both humanity for all the bad things in the world, and grown a dark dislike over God that he doesn’t stop us or helps those, that we have made to suffer in the world, fellow humans and animals to the plants that surround us. Even how the universe was created. I have left the big herd of Christian sheep, became an agnostic, and maybe easy prey for the Devil… I’m not even baptised. Your article with your fellow brother by faith, about Lucifer really got me thinking. Am I a bad person? Am I doomed to hell? Will I rott in a grave with no hope of seeing the face of God, if I don’t change my life?
In Sicily, the Latin Rite coexists with the Albanian Bysantine Rite. I knew a Jesuit priest in Palerno who was licensed to celebrate both rites. When he visited us in South London, I thought he might be able to celebrate the Bysantine Liturgy, but getting the necessary permissions was well nigh impossible.
1:50 I don’t know if it was by accident but the way you phrased that part makes it sound like Greek is a Semitic Language. Greek is actually a Hellenic Language (the only one nowadays actually), a branch of the Indo-European Language Family. Semitic Languages are a branch (and by far the largest one) of the Afro-Asiatic Language Family. Just clearing up some possible confusion.