In COVID-19, how do I learn more about the Ukrainian Catholic Church?
Published on: December 16, 2020
Ask a Priest

Question (Shortened to simplify): 

In COVID-19, how do I learn more about the Ukrainian Catholic Church? Last year I attended the Armenian Apostolic Church (was across the road) and was invited to receive communion and my confessor said yes.  I don‘t want to give up my RC confessor or receiving communion at the university. I spent hours praying in an eastern rite church with 800 icons when on vacation.  But I would like to participate more fully. Can I be in both Eastern and Western churches?  For me, it is comfortable and more complete.  

Response from: Fr. Jim

Response:

Thank you for your question. During this time of the pandemic, online resources about the Ukrainian Catholic Church are plentiful. There are many services being live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube, along with bible studies and discussion groups exploring various themes about our faith. The best place to start to learn more about the Ukrainian Catholic Church is to start with the Catechism of the Ukrainian Catholic Church: Christ – Our Pascha. It can be found in its entirety at Royal Doors: http://catechism.royaldoors.net/catechism/ . Other great resources would be to check our website (https://eeparchy.com) or other Ukrainian Catholic eparchial websites and read about the resources and programs that they offer online.

 

Regarding your second question, it is okay to participate in any of the 20 churches of the Catholic communion (19 of these are Eastern Catholic Churches, the other is the Roman Catholic Church). However, you only officially belong to the church into which you were baptized. It is possible to change your membership (the canonical term is “ascription”) by petitioning the local bishop, but, until his authorization, you will remain a member of the church of your baptism, whether that be Roman Catholic or Ukrainian Catholic. Of course, you are always welcome to attend services and learn more about the various Eastern Catholic Churches as part of your spiritual growth within the fullness of the Catholic faith. May God continue to bless your journey!

Thanks.

In Christ,

Fr. Jim 

Listen to our podcast here:

Between the Pews Cast

Discover the Saints in Our Lives here:

The Saints in Our Lives

Learn Our Faith Here: 

The Saints in Our Lives

Why does God make some peoples’ lives harder than others? Why would he make someone a drug addict for example?

by | December 4, 2020 | Ask a Priest | 0 Comments

Response from: Fr. Jim Response: Thanks for your question. It is definitely a question that most of us have asked at some point in our lives. I would first respond by saying that it is all in one's perspective. When I have travelled to poorer countries and experienced...
Read More

If My Father is Catholic and My Mother is Not, Would I be Considered Catholic?

by | October 27, 2020 | Ask a Priest | 0 Comments

First Question: My father was baptized in one of the Ukrainian Catholic churches in Edmonton.  We are just trying to find out which one. His parents are no longer here.  How would I go about finding out which church?  Response from Pastoral Centre Office: You can...
Read More

I want to tithe 10% but if I did I wouldn’t be able to pay all my monthly bills. I trust God. How do I get over this?

by | September 2, 2020 | Ask a Priest | 1 Comment

Answer from: Father Bohdan Tithing, the giving of your “first fruits” (typically at least a tenth of all that you have (before tax!)), is a traditional and biblical way of loving God and one’s neighbour above one’s self.  It shows that we trust that God will take care...
Read More

How can we effectively evangelize in our Catholic tradition?

by | December 4, 2020 | Ask a Priest | 0 Comments

Full question: How can we effectively evangelize in our tradition? Is inviting people to Divine Liturgy or Vespers too "advanced" for the curious/none Christians? Answered by: Fr. Rendy and Fr. Julian  Fr. Rendy's Response:  First, be yourself.  Let the Holy Spirit...
Read More

What is the difference between the Ukrainian Catholic Church and Ukrainian Orthodox Church? And the Roman Catholic Church?

by | September 8, 2020 | Ask a Priest | 2 Comments

Question: What is the difference between the Roman Catholic Church and the Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church which I know isn’t fully in union with the Catholic Church right now. As I understand it the Roman church uses the Latin rite The Ukrainian...
Read More

Why does the Ukrainian Catholic Church not have daily Divine Liturgies?

by | February 16, 2021 | Ask a Priest | 0 Comments

Full Question: Why does the Ukrainian Catholic Church not have daily Divine Liturgies like the Roman Catholic Church? It seems like it is beneficial for the faithful to receive communion daily.  Response From: Chancery Office Numerous of our churches around Alberta...
Read More