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To: redgolum; redhead; RKBA Democrat
There is a Byzantine Catholic church in Davenport, and I told my wife that she might like it there. When my in laws come to town, I might be able to convince them to go to that.

Why wait? For years, attending Mass on Sunday turned into a gut wrenching penance. Familiar with the GIRM, I could not help but notice the subtle changes introduced by the pastor to this parish. For example, there was no Crucifix in the Sanctuary, a mandatory condition for a valid Mass. When I drew this to his attention, he assured me there was a crucifix on the altar ... ???? ... laying down. The GIRM is explicit - "There is to be a cross with a corpus on or near the altar and visible to the entire congregation." After citing the GIRM, he suggested that one of the Stations qualified. Can you imagine pleading with a priest to have the acolyte carry the processional cross in order that it might fulfill the requirements for a valid Mass!!

There were other 'small' changes, like words left out of prayers, wearing the wrong color vestments, etc. What sent me packing was watching a EMHC drop a consecrated host on the ground.

Unless Davenport is so far away as to be a day's outing, my recommendation is to attend their Divine Liturgy at least 3 times. The first visit is disorienting. The comfort level rises on the 2nd visit when you recognize certain prayers, or hymns. By the 3rd visit, you are sufficiently relaxed to begin following the liturgy.

It is the practice in ALL Eastern Catholic Churches to remain after liturgy (the term liturgy is used in place of Mass which is a Latin term) for refreshments. Father will want to introduce himself and answer any questions you may have.

I have freeped two other Roman Catholics who now attend a Byzantine Catholic Church. You may want to ask them about their experience and any comments or suggestions. In the meantime, you can learn more about that rite at:

Byzantine Catholic Church in America

51 posted on 03/08/2006 9:26:43 AM PST by NYer (Discover the beauty of the Eastern Catholic Churches - freepmail me for more information.)
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To: NYer
NYer,
What exactly is the GIRM? The more I think about the issue of the Sanctuary Crucifix, the more I can not recall if it exists in my church.
59 posted on 03/08/2006 6:11:41 PM PST by warsaw44
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