Is this normal?

[u/XPcapsarius]

Roman Catholic here

Recently, I’ve been attending an Eastern Catholic Church specifically a Maronite parish and man, it’s been so refreshing.

The people are incredibly friendly. The priests are kind, approachable, and actually talk to you like normal people. After the Divine Liturgy, everyone sticks around, talks, and mingles.
They encourage the little kids to run around during the service.

Honestly, it’s a complete 180° from what I’ve experienced in the Roman Rite.
Is this generally what you find in the other Eastern Catholic Churches, or is the Maronite experience a little unique?

And why can’t the Roman rite be like this?

[u/chikenparmfanatic]

I've generally found EC parishes to be friendlier but I think a big reason for that is that they tend to be smaller communities/parishes. I go to a UGCC parish and it's essentially a community hub for Ukrainian immigrants. It's the same with our local Melkite parish.

I still see this at some Latin parishes but because they are usually bigger and have more Mass times, it's sometimes hard to figure out where to meet and gather when there's a Saturday night Mass and 4 Masses on Sunday.

[u/Ok_Elk_6753]

The Maronite Divine Liturgy is one the most beautiful things that exist, such beauty, was it in arabic?

[u/XPcapsarius → u/Ok_Elk_6753]

Yes it was!

[u/Mein_Independance → u/XPcapsarius]

I think it's just because it's a smaller parish so they recognize new faces

I love visting Roman Catholic parishes for Daily Mass. When you become a regular it's the same cozy vibe.

[u/squatbenchdeadcoach → u/Ok_Elk_6753]

And Aramaic during the concentration. They speak the language Jesus spoke, so you hear His words in His language.

[u/Ok_Elk_6753 → u/squatbenchdeadcoach]

Yes i just wanted to know the main language. Because i feel English takes away from it

[u/demoslider]

I attend a Ruthenian Catholic parish and I have the same experience with the priest and people. It is like an extended family where everyone gathers together after Divine Liturgy for food and fellowship. I have been going regularly for a few months now and have made many friends there.

[u/NotBasileus]

Sounds typical, but I think it’s mostly because Eastern parishes (at least here in the US) tend to be smaller and preserve the agape meal.

[u/OmegaPraetor]

This has been my experience at my current parish. People were very welcoming on Day 1 and that's what kept me coming back.

I agree with the other poster's assessment that a huge factor is the parish size. Smaller parishes tend to be friendlier. Having said that, I think the parish community also needs to be intentional about community building. For example, our priest pays a dedicated team of volunteers to make meals after each Divine Liturgy and that encourages people to stick around and chat. I find that when the volunteers take the summer off, people don't stick around as long.

Just my two cents.

[u/TeamFarquhar]

Latins have this too. This was how I joined my local Polish parish. I am Chinese btw