Rites in the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church has many different rites that began from the ancient Roman times and continue into the modern day. This has developed from many different forms of worship with each preserving its own cultural and artistic heritage.

There are over 20 Rites in the Catholic Church today; and each of these rites is in full communion with the others. As opposed to the Orthodox Church, who do not accept papal infallibility, the Rites of the Catholic Church are mostly the same except in the Form of Prayer. The word "Western Rite" refers to the Western Churches, such as the ones established in Rome. Here are a few Catholic Rites:

The Alexandrian Rite

This rite is also known as the Coptic Rite, originated in Egypt and includes the Ethiopian Rite. The languages in this liturgy are Coptic, Arabic and Ge'ez.



The Antiochene Rite

This was developed under the Church of Jerusalem but named for the origin of the Church in Antioch. From this rite develop the Maronite and Syrian Catholics. The official language is Arabic.



The Armenian Rite

Traces its origins back to Early Church Fathers and Armenian is used as its language of founding .





Source: The Church: Sacrament of Salvation by Dr. Scott Hahn
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