Who are the Eastern Catholics?

The Eastern Catholics are no different than Western Roman Catholics except that they use different rites.

They also say the mass differently, and sing more of it than The Western Roman Catholic Church does. They are in Communion with the Pope, and agree with The Western Church on almost everything except certain rites.

Definition of RITE

1

a : a prescribed form or manner governing the words or actions for a ceremony b : the ceremonial practices of a church or group of churches

2

: a ceremonial act or action <initiation rites>

3

: a division of the Christian church using a distinctive liturgy

Examples of RITE

1. Incense is often burned in their religious rites.
2. <the annual summer rite of loading up the car for the big family vacation>

Origin of RITE

Middle English, from Latin ritus; akin to Greek arithmos number — more at arithmetic

First Known Use: 14th century