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St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Flushing, Michigan

Sunday Divine Liturgies:

Saturday, 5:00 pm

Sunday, 9:00 am

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Holy Day Divine Liturgy:

Often at 6:30 pm

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St. George Byzantine Catholic Church in Bay City, Michigan

Sunday Divine Liturgies:

Sunday, 11:30 am

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Procedures for Liturgical Services

The following are the standard procedures pertaining to the Protocols and Norms of the Byzantine Catholic Church.

 

The Rites of Initiation

The Mysteries of BAPTISM, CHRISMATION and THE EUCHARIST

For an infant to be received into the parish community, the parents need to be good practicing Catholics, that is, regular attendance for the Liturgical Services, especially the Divine Liturgy, as well as frequenting the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  The parents should also be active in the life of the church participating in parish activities.  If needed, there are instructional classes on an individual level to explain the Mystery of Baptism, Chrismation and the reception of the Eucharist by an infant.  The parents must meet with the Pastor, then proceed to setting a date and the nomination of the Godparents, both of whom should be good practicing Byzantine Catholics.  There should be a Godfather and Godmother.  At least one must be a practicing Catholic due to the nature of what the responsibilities are for a Godparent.

 

For an adult to be received into the parish community, the adult must meet with the Pastor to determine how well the candidate understands the Faith they are going to be received into.  Then, after proper religious instruction, the candidate may receive the Mysteries of the Sacraments of Initiation into the Byzantine Catholic Rite of the Church.

 

The Sacrament of MARRIAGE

To receive the Sacrament of Marriage in the Byzantine Catholic Church, there is a period of at least 6 months prior to setting a date for an informational meeting with the Pastor to determine the procedure for marriage preparation.  If the marriage is between two practicing Byzantine Catholics, the period of instruction is the same, but no dispensations are required.  If the Husband is a practicing Byzantine Catholic, then the marriage usually follows the Rite of the Husband and the intended spouse, if not Byzantine or Latin Rite Catholic, would need specific dispensations to be granted by the Eparchial Bishop.  These may add time to the preparation period.  After proper instruction begins, a date can then be set for the date of the Marriage.  If there are any questions about dispensations, contact the Pastor for further information.

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The Rite of Christian Burial – FUNERALS

The Rite of Christian Burial is open to those who have been practicing their Faith, whether actively at Church, or if they are Homebound or in a Nursing Facility.  The family should contact the Pastor before making final arrangements with the funeral home for the times and dates of Funeral Rites.  The customary procedure includes:

  1. Parastas – The evening before service (this is optional for the family to decide).  It is usually celebrated near the end of the visitation period at the funeral home.  It may also be celebrated in the afternoon around 3:00pm.

  2. PANACHIDA – Morning service at the funeral home or the vestibule of the Church before the Liturgy for the Deceased.

  3. The Funeral Service – Normally the Divine Liturgy is celebrated for the Deceased, but an option is also just the Funeral Rites without the Divine Liturgy.  (Generally used if the family members are not practicing Catholics and object to attending the Liturgy for the Deceased).

  4. Interment at the Cemetery – There is a short service at the Cemetery for the Internment of the deceased.

  5. If the individual is cremated, the Byzantine Catholic Church does not allow the cremains in the church for the Funeral Rites.  Either the body is present and then cremated later and interred at a later date, or the Liturgy for the Deceased is celebrated without the cremains present, followed by the Interment of the cremains at the Cemetery.

  6. The Repast Meal, sometimes referred to as the Mercy Meal, may take place in the parish social hall and the Caterer would be whomever the parish uses or a caterer the Family may know to bring in the food for the meal in the parish social hall.  The two contact people are Marie Herrick and Joann Jacob.  Their contact information is in the parish Directory.

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