Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 4/10/2008

Question
If a person who was baptized and confirmed in the Melkite Catholic Church wanted to receive their First Communion in a Latin Catholic Church (without changing Rites) is there anything official that they would need to do? (Please provide references to Church Law if available)

Also if they did want to change Rites how would they go about doing it?

Thanks for your time.

Answer
Peace

dear Todd,
 Interesting questions. I have gotten it before but it was by Latins asking the reverse.
 I would assume to receive first in another rite, would require permission from one's pastor and that of the other rite.
 As for your second question, about switching rites, its more complicated. You would go through the two local bishops. Its difficult and requires a good reason, and in most cases the permission of the Vatican. One good reason might be lack of one's rite in an area. Another is a couple is of different rites, generally the bride becomes the rite of the groom.
  I will keep you in prayer. Please keep me in yours and up-dated as seek to switch rites. You can write me here: ravjerome72@yahoo.com

                        your servant but His first
                                  George