Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Byzantine Catholics and Roman Catholics?

There are six major liturgical rites comprising 24 separate churches within the Catholic Church.  The Roman rite is by far the largest rite in the church, but the Byzantine Rite is the second largest.  The Roman Rite grew from the liturgical tradition in Rome and the Byzantine Rite grew from the liturgical tradition in Constantinople.  The other major rites are the Alexandrian, Antiochian, Armenian, and Chaldean rites.  They are all fully Catholic Churches and are all under the Pope of Rome.  Each rite has its own liturgical traditions but they are all part of the same Catholic (universal) Church.  

What is the difference between Byzantine Catholics and Eastern Orthodox?

The Byzantine Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox church come from the same liturgical tradition.  Their liturgies are almost indistinguishable.  The  Orthodox and the Catholic Churches split in 1054.  The Byzantine Churches returned to the Catholic Church at various times after that.  Often times Orthodox and Byzantine churches are quite close to each other, because the immigrants who founded them came from the same place at around the same time.  The most important statement about the Orthodox and Byzantine Catholics is that they are brethren in the Holy Apostolic Church and we pray fervently for their reunion.  

May I come to liturgy at  a Byzantine Catholic Church?

Absolutely yes.  All our welcome to come to the liturgy.  If you have a desire to learn about our church or you want to experience our liturgy, you are most welcome to come.  If you have questions after the liturgy the priest and the cantor would both be happy to answer any of your questions.

May I receive Holy Communion in a Byzantine Catholic Church?

To receive communion on our church you must be a baptized Catholic (any rite) in the proper state.  If you can receive communion in a Roman Catholic church, then you can receive communion in our church.  If you have any questions about this you can always ask the priest before liturgy.

Does liturgy satisfy my Sunday obligation if I am Catholic?

YES!  If you are Catholic of any rite, our Divine Liturgy satisfies your Sunday obligation.

Why do Byzantine Catholics bless themselves from right to left instead of left to right? 

Byzantine Catholics bless themselves from the right to the left (as in the bottom bar of their crosses) to indicate that the "good thief" was on the right side of the crucified Christ.  There are many historical reasons why the Romans began going from left to right and the Byzantines from right to left, but both are completely acceptable ways of blessing themselves. 

What is the difference between mass and liturgy?

All Eucharistic liturgical celebrations are properly called Divine Liturgy.  The word mass comes from the Roman rites service which contains the phrase Ite Missa Est in Latin.  The word Missa essentially means sending the people out now that they have completed the liturgy (as in a mission).  This word has grown into the word mass for the Roman Rite Liturgy.  It is generally only used for the Divine Liturgy in the Roman Rite.  However, colloquially, it is sometimes used (albeit incorrectly) to describe the Divine Liturgy in any rite.