Questions -- DS wants to convert to Catholic (but we do not)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I assure you, the “rampant” abuse and cover ups you’re worried about were/are just as common in the Orthodox Church (and other churches, and schools, and correctional facilities, and foster care, etc., as in the Roman Catholic Church. The Church has never had a monopoly on perverts. It has, however, been a big financial target without sovereign immunity to protect it like public institutions.

Turning to your specific question, if your son is Orthodox, he is already “catholic” with a small “c.” If he wishes to affiliate with the Roman Church, the norm would be for him to join the Eastern Rite (essentially Orthodox churches in union with the Pope) branch most analogous to the Orthodox Church of his baptism. If he wishes to join the Latin rite (commonly the “Roman Catholic” Church), that is another step.

The best way to navigate this is to approach the pastor at the parish associated with the school. In the meantime he is free (at least from a Roman standpoint) to worship and receive Roman Catholic sacraments (although as PP observed this would likely not include Confirmation).

I’m a bit rusty on the subject. I’ve had friends and acquaintances who were “Uniates” (to borrow a term from my Orthodox friends). I know that the Catholic Church encourages people to stick with their rite as PP said. There is some niggle around sacraments / Mass if there is one of your rite within a reasonable distance. If your Eastern Rite doesn’t have a church nearby then yes I believe that you’re free and clear to participate in the Latin Rite. As pp said, check with a parish priest.

OP, back again. Thank You for the thoughtful responses! Coincidentally, soon after I posted, DS reminded me that he wanted me to speak to the church about him becoming Catholic. I did finally call to set up a meeting with a Reverend. And, I did some research to discover that the Catholic Church recognizes baptized Eastern Orthodox Christians as having received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation/Chrismation, and first Eucharist. Supposedly DS would only need to attend confession and make a Profession of Faith to become Catholic, but he would join the Eastern Rite not Roman Catholic.

We decided to explore several church communities and restart attending Mass and Orthodox services before making a decision about DS becoming Catholic. We told him the family must agree to become part of a church community (even if parents won't convert) that we all feel welcome to join and commit to participate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I assure you, the “rampant” abuse and cover ups you’re worried about were/are just as common in the Orthodox Church (and other churches, and schools, and correctional facilities, and foster care, etc., as in the Roman Catholic Church. The Church has never had a monopoly on perverts. It has, however, been a big financial target without sovereign immunity to protect it like public institutions.

Turning to your specific question, if your son is Orthodox, he is already “catholic” with a small “c.” If he wishes to affiliate with the Roman Church, the norm would be for him to join the Eastern Rite (essentially Orthodox churches in union with the Pope) branch most analogous to the Orthodox Church of his baptism. If he wishes to join the Latin rite (commonly the “Roman Catholic” Church), that is another step.

The best way to navigate this is to approach the pastor at the parish associated with the school. In the meantime he is free (at least from a Roman standpoint) to worship and receive Roman Catholic sacraments (although as PP observed this would likely not include Confirmation).

I’m a bit rusty on the subject. I’ve had friends and acquaintances who were “Uniates” (to borrow a term from my Orthodox friends). I know that the Catholic Church encourages people to stick with their rite as PP said. There is some niggle around sacraments / Mass if there is one of your rite within a reasonable distance. If your Eastern Rite doesn’t have a church nearby then yes I believe that you’re free and clear to participate in the Latin Rite. As pp said, check with a parish priest.

OP, back again. Thank You for the thoughtful responses! Coincidentally, soon after I posted, DS reminded me that he wanted me to speak to the church about him becoming Catholic. I did finally call to set up a meeting with a Reverend. And, I did some research to discover that the Catholic Church recognizes baptized Eastern Orthodox Christians as having received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation/Chrismation, and first Eucharist. Supposedly DS would only need to attend confession and make a Profession of Faith to become Catholic, but he would join the Eastern Rite not Roman Catholic.

We decided to explore several church communities and restart attending Mass and Orthodox services before making a decision about DS becoming Catholic. We told him the family must agree to become part of a church community (even if parents won't convert) that we all feel welcome to join and commit to participate.

You are an amazing parent! Thank you for being so open to your child’s faith journey.