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To: Chi-townChief

The new assistant pastor in my parish barely speaks English (that I could over look) and his theology sucks - that I cannot overlook. I've already changed parishes twice to find one where the theology is solid and/or aims about the third grade level but with no luck.


4 posted on 11/26/2004 1:21:36 PM PST by Mercat (I am forgiven)
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To: Mercat; NYer

Try an Eastern Rite church. They are still traditional.


7 posted on 11/26/2004 1:27:05 PM PST by netmilsmom (Zell on DEM Christianity, "They can hum the tune, but can't sing the song.")
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To: Mercat
I've already changed parishes twice to find one where the theology is solid and/or aims about the third grade level but with no luck.

When you reach the breaking point, DO NOT DESPAIR! Look East! The Catholic Church is both Western (Latin Rite) and Eastern. As most of us realize, the Church began in the East. Our Lord lived and died and resurrected in the Holy Land. The Church spread from Jerusalem throughout the known world. As the Church spread, it encountered different cultures and adapted, retaining from each culture what was consistent with the Gospel. In the city of Alexandria, the Church became very Egyptian; in Antioch it remained very Jewish; in Rome it took on an Italian appearance and in the Constantinople it took on the trappings of the Roman imperial court. All the churches which developed this way were Eastern, except Rome. Most Catholics in the United States have their roots in Western Europe where the Roman rite predominated. It has been said that the Eastern Catholic Churches are "the best kept secret in the Catholic Church."

Earlier this year, totally frustrated with the liturgical abuse in my RC parish and fed up with the wreckovation of so many churches in my diocese, I followed the sage advice of a fellow freeper, check the Yellow Pages, and located 2 Eastern Catholic (not to be confused with Orthodox) Churches nearby. I was swept away by the beauty of their liturgy and total reverence for catholic tradition. The liturgy is chanted - a conversation between the celebrant and the congregation. Incense is used extensively throughout the liturgy to purify the Book of the Gospels, the altar and the Divine Offerings. When the priest dropped to his knees, extended his arms heavenward and called down the Holy Spirit to accept our offerings, I was left speechless. Communion is distributed ONLY by the priest(s), and on the tongue. There are no EEMs, no communion in the hand, no dancing girls or boys. Altar servers wear a cassock and surplice. Check the information at this link to determine whether or not there is an Eastern Rite Church in your community. If so, check the web for information on that particular rite and plan to attend their Divine Liturgy this Sunday. Note that in the Eastern Rite Churches, congregants gather after the liturgy for refreshments and conversation. They are very community oriented and the pastor will make a point of greeting each and every one who attends the mass, including you! Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to freepmail me. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Eastern Catholic Churches in the U.S.

31 posted on 11/26/2004 3:49:38 PM PST by NYer ("Blessed be He who by His love has given life to all." - final prayer of St. Charbel)
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