RCIA Candidates leaving mass and not getting graces of final blessing

[tafan]

I have nothing against having a scripture study requirement once a week for all RCIA candidates and catechumens. But I object to kicking them out of Sunday mass, both catechumens and candidates.

[Nicea325]

Originally Posted by Usige

I have always thought that when dismissals are practiced that catecumen should be called and candidates invited to join them. The forced "banishment" of our baptized brothers and sisters is what I objected to. One RCIA director said it was inappropriate for them to stay because they hadn't received all the sacraments of initiation. I asked him why we didn't dismiss unconfirmed children and he gave me a blank look. Kinda told me that understanding of the sacrament of baptism might have been lost on him.

I disagree with the RCIA Director. They might not have received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation,but they certainly have been baptized. One reason why I was against dismissing even candidates is because one does not want to give them the impression that their baptism isn't really valid,since it was not a Catholic baptism. By virtue of baptism,they all belong to the Body of Christ.

[Nicea325]

Originally Posted by tafan

I have nothing against having a scripture study requirement once a week for all RCIA candidates and catechumens. But I object to kicking them out of Sunday mass, both catechumens and candidates.

Sorry,catechumens historically have always been dismissed. The ancient church didn't even want them watching the fully initiated receive Holy Communion. The early church wanted to be sure the catechumens were truly discerning their faith.

[Delaine75]

Oh wow, I didn't know that some parishes did this. When I was attending RCIA, we stayed until the Mass was completely over and then we went to the RCIA classes (our priest was one of the instructors). I guess it's different for every parish but it just seems a bit odd to me to have those in RCIA leave partway through!

[Phemie]

Originally Posted by Joannm

However catechumens are not obligated, they are not yet Catholic or even Christian. It is part of the process. That is why pre-Vat II the Liturgy of the Eucharist was called the Mass of the Faithful since only the baptized should be present for it. And we are not just kicking them out. They are dismissed to further reflect on the Scriptures. They are being fed on the Word. After baptism they will be also fed on the Eucharist.

In fact, this is what RCIA 83 (Canadian edition) says

83 From the very beginning of the period of the catechumenate the catechumens should be taught to keep holy the Lord's Day.

1. Care should be taken that some of the special celebrations of the word just mentioned (#82) are held on Sunday, so that the catechumens will become accustomed to taking an active and practiced part in these celebrations.
2. Gradually the catechumens should be admitted to the first part of the celebration of the Sunday Mass. After the liturgy of the word they should, if possible, be dismissed, but an intention for them is included in the general intercessions.

[Newbie2]

Originally Posted by tafan

I could not disagree more. One obtains graces by attending mass, and not just by receiving communion or the final blessing.
Mass is important. We are required to go even when we cannot receive communion. If it is that important to us, why just kick people out who are already there? It is really dumb IMO.

Catholics are required to attend. RCIA candidats are not fully Catholic...yet. It's not a matter of "kicking them out", it's a matter of their formation as Catholics.

Originally Posted by ConstantineTG

Also, as I mentioned, the dismissal should have its own rite of blessing. So really, they don't miss out on anything no matter how you look at it.

Right, my point as well. They aren't really missing out on anything.