Can one become a member of the Maronite Catholic Church?
Yes. One can become a member of the Maronite Catholic Church in three basic ways: by baptism, by petition and by election. Baptism. An infant becomes a member by baptism when the father is a Maronite Catholic. Also, if the father of the infant is a Catholic of another ritual Church (for example, a Melkite Catholic or a Latin Catholic) but the mother is Maronite, their children may be designated in the Maronite Church of the mother if: 1) both parents agree to it, and 2) if they clearly inform the Maronite pastor when they and the godparents are taking the pre-Jordan preparation classes or at least before the actual Baptism-Chrismation takes place. The pastor has the duty to note in the parish sacramental register that the child has been designated as a Maronite Catholic, and this designation is to be stated on any baptismal certificates issued at a later date. A catechumen (i.e., and adult who has never been baptized) has the freedom to choose the Maronite Church at baptism. (CYT, p. 3