How does one "change rites" to become Melkite Catholic?

PLEASE SELECT A QUESTION ... ------ QUESTIONS RELATED TO FAITH F-1. Does God really answer our prayers? ------ QUESTIONS RELATED TO MORALITY M-1. How do Melkites view birth control? M-2. What is your opinion of homosexuality and the "face of being Gay" within the Church? M-3. What is the teaching on Abortion? What about politicians who support pro-abortion stances and laws? M-4 What is the "Rite of Making Brothers?" ------ QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES R-1. How does one "change rites" to become Melkite Catholic? R-2. What is distinctive about the Melkites and the other Eastern Catholic Churches? R-3. Are we Orthodox united with Rome? R-4. May we participate in Orthodox services? R-5. Can the heritage of the three branches of the Patriarchate of Antioch be preserved? R-6. What is the relationship between the Melkite clergy and the Pope? Why and how is the Pope commemorated in the Melkite Church? R-7. When can there be re-union with Constantinople? R-8. What can be done to share Eastern Catholicism with other Catholics? R-9. How do the Pope's encyclicals and teachings impact on the Melkites? ------ QUESTIONS RELATED TO WORSHIP AND RITUAL W-1. How is Christ present in the Liturgy? W-2. What is the proper form of confession? W-3. What is the practice of excommunication? W-4. Why is it that we pray for the dead? What is the Eastern view of Indulgences? W-5. What are the differences between the Eastern Liturgies? (St. John and St. Basil) W-7. Please explain the "Epiclesis" as an element of consecration W-6. What is the Melkite custom for silent prayers during the liturgy? ------ QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE ORGANIZATION OF THE MELKITES O-1. How many churches are in the American Melkite Eparchy? O-2. What is the role of the deacon? O-3. How is a new Eastern Catholic parish established? O-4. What are the monastic communities of the Melkites and what are their addresses. O-5. What are the requirements for becoming a priest? How is one ordained a priest? O-6. Where are our seminaries and what is their accreditation? ------ QUESTIONS RELATED TO THEOLOGICAL ISSUES T-1. How does the Church reconcile the flawed and the graced nature of the Human being? T-2. What is the Melkite view of the post-schism Ecumenical Councils? T-3. What is the Melkite view of the Council of Trent? T-4. Can a married Roman Catholic man become a Melkite Priest? T-5. What is your view of Archbishop Zoghby's book, We are All Schismatics? T-6 What is the Melkite understanding on the "Gospel of the Egyptians?" T-7 Why are there snakes shown on various icons?

Question:

What is the procedure one must follow to become a member of the Melkite Catholic Church? I really feel blessed to be able to attend such a wonderful church in Atlanta. Thank you so much for your help.

Bishop John's Answer:

Please realize that there really is no need to obtain a "change of rite" in order to be a full-time parishioner. The beauty of all the Traditions of the Eastern and Latin Catholic Churches are a common patrimony and heritage belonging equally to all Catholics. Should there be some need in the future to obtain a canonical transfer, the procedure is facilitated by the parish priest who could help you with the details. Basically it involves a formal petition on your part. This is forwarded to the Melkite Bishop. The Chancery then seeks the opinion/consent of the Latin Bishop. If both Bishops are in agreement, the "transfer" is granted, signed by the petitioner in the presence of witnesses and entered into the registry of the Melkite parish.

Question:

Are children who are chrismated in a Byzantine church officially byzantine? My kids were baptized in the Roman church. We have been attending the Byzantine church for some time now and they have now been chrismated in the Byzantine church. My question is this, are they now officially Byzantine Catholics?

Bishop John's Answer:

Even though you do not say this, I am assuming from your question that you are a Latin Rite Catholic. Then your children are also Roman Rite Catholics.

According to Canon Law, a person remains a member of his church sui jurid, unless he/she obtains a transfer of membership. Although you may practice your Catholic faith in any Catholic church, receiving the sacraments (Baptism & Christmation) in the Byzantine Church does not automatically make you Byzantine.

Should you desire such, you must petition the Bishop of your Byzantine Church as well as the Latin Rite Bishop, explaining your request. This would be done through your local Byzantine Pastor. If a transfer by the parents is obtained, children under 14 receive the same transfer. After the age of 14, they have to apply for the transfer on their own.

May God bless you and your family.