Drywall over plaster with furring strips
Hanging drywall over old plaster is very common.  If the existing strapping is securely fastened to the ceiling, you should be able to hang sheetrock.  I use 3/8" rock all the time over plaster walls and ceilings. The weight is not an issue.  You may want to check, using a stud finder to assure yourself that the  strapping is attached to the underlying floor or ceiling joists. It certainly would not do any harm to find the joists and add a screw into the strapping to be sure it is secure. The only time you might have a problem is when the strapping is only connected to lathes, and if the weight of the rock held only by lathes may sag if the lathe nails are not secure into the joists.   Good luck, go for it!