RCIA Dismissals

Livnlove55 · #1 Nov 18, '04, 8:49 pm

I am a former Protestant who has been attending RCIA classes since August. I began studying Catholicism in July 2003. After many months of study and prayer, I became convinced that the Catholic Church is the One, True Church that Christ founded and that it was God's will for me to join her. I have felt Catholic in my heart, soul and mind for many months now, already love the Church dearly and truly believe all that she teaches.

Even though I was told by the pastor of my parish that I was sufficiently knowledgeable of the faith to be received into full communion now, I have voluntarily chosen to participate in the RCIA program. I decided to do that in the hope that I may be an encouragment and help to the others in my class during their journey to the Church.

My problem? After the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming, our RCIA group began to be dismissed from Mass after the homily. Even though I cannot yet receive Holy Communion, I believe in the Real Presence with all my heart and treasure simply being in Mass during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. When the others go forward to receive, I kneel and pray "An Act of Spiritual Communion." It quite literally breaks my heart to be forced to leave early and I don't understand why we are not allowed to stay.

I understand that in the Early Church there was a "Mass for the Catechumens" who were dismissed before the "Mass of the Faithful" but I am not even a true catechumen since I have already been baptized in my former church. And even for those in my group who are true catechumens, I don't understand how this dismissal process fits in with paragraph #1249 of the Catechism which reads:

"Catechumens "are already joined to the Church, they are already of the household of Christ, and are quite frequently already living a life of faith, hope, and charity." "With love and solicitude mother Church already embraces them as her own."

I find it more than a little ironic that our first Mass dismissal took place after the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming. If we were "accepted" and "welcomed" and if the Church already embraces us as her own, then why were we forced to leave? It just doesn't make sense to me.

I do enjoy the study of the Mass readings that we do after the dismissal and I do agree that is a valuable addition to the RCIA program. I just don't see why it couldn't be done after Mass was completely over.

I understand that some parishes don't have dismissals and so I'm not quite sure if this is a necessary part of RCIA or optional. I have expressed my misgivings to several of the RCIA leaders in my parish but none seem to take my concerns seriously. I want to obey whatever the Church teaches but I honestly don't understand this practice. Can anyone help? Thank you.
In His love,
Rhonda

John Russell Jr · #2 Nov 18, '04, 9:19 pm

Hi,

Welcome to the Church. I suggest you ask one of the apologists this question. Post it in the ask an apologist section.

Yours in Jesus, Mary & Joseph,

John
Saints are just siinners who keep trying.

jimmy · #3 Nov 18, '04, 9:28 pm

I personally think that they should have them stay at mass until the end. The mass is the greatest form of prayer we have. The whole thing is scriptural and is a great way to learn about the faith.

I agree with John, ask one of the apologists.

Jermosh · #4 Nov 18, '04, 9:32 pm

It is much the same way that a couple keeps chaste till marriage, this builds allot of pure desire, its then on the wedding night that desire is fullfilled and each time after that its a fullfillment of that first time. The sexual act in a marriage is a form of worship to covenent of you and your spouse.
With this we are making a comminment to Jesus and recieve him the first time. Each point after that is the same as the 1st. The act of communion is worship to the covenent of you and Jesus.
The Church is testing you, trying to make sure you have that pure Desire, setting up your hunger.
Trust me as a recent convert. The wait is well worth it, and you cannot even to begin to understand how deep it is till you receive, but you need to have a deep desire and hunger.

Deacon2006 · #5 Nov 18, '04, 9:33 pm

If it really troubles your conscience then consider another RCIA class in another parish or simplly attend another mass on the weekend. It does you no spiritual benefit to mentally wrestle over a decision made by someone who has the authority to make the decision. Perfect opportunity to demonstrate docility and humilty. If still troubled read and meditate on Romans 13 especially when Paul talks of God plan to have people rule over us.

God Bless and Good luck

PS my wife went through RCIA and we both loved it.

PPS the closer you get to the truth the harder the devil fights to cause strife in your heart

mark1270 · #6 Nov 18, '04, 9:37 pm

I was a candidate three years ago and now I am on the RCIA team for my parish.

The practice of dismissing the RCIA Catechumens and Candidates after the Liturgy of the Word is quite common. The practice does date back to the early church when the catechumens were dismissed from Mass after the homily. At least in RCIA we went to “Breaking Open the Word”. In the early church the catechumens just left! Technically perhaps only the Catechumens and not the Candidates should be dismissed, but logistically this might be difficult. I found the sessions to be very rewarding, especially in building community with my fellow Candidates.

I also realized how big the RCIA program is when attending mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. After the Liturgy of the Word, the Candidates and Catechumens for the parish were called forward. Sometimes it can feel as if you or your parish is alone, but you are not. Candidates and Catechumens from parishes from sea to sea, from Austin, TX to New York, NY are walking the same faith journey with you.

As for missing the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Don’t think of missing this part of the mass as punishment, but rather let your hunger for the Eucharist grow. Much like giving something up during Lent. By missing the Liturgy, you are gaining an appreciation for that which you are without. When you can finally receive the Body and Blood of our Lord at Easter, how glorious that will be.

My son and I pray for all RCIA candidates and catechumens every morning, so know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. It is a great journey you are on.

Pug · #7 Nov 18, '04, 9:43 pm

If you want to continue in your RCIA program but you really miss being there for a whole mass, I suggest you come to the early mass and stay for the whole thing, and then at the second mass (the most likely one for the RCIA thing) just get dismissed with the rest of them.

You are free to pick a different RCIA program if you need to. It is a historical practice, however. Not a recent historical practice, but one from the early centuries of the Church.

Given what you have said, I definitely recommend you try going to Eucharistic Adoration. I bet you'll love it.

John Russell Jr · #8 Nov 18, '04, 9:52 pm

Thought you might like this. From- Christ is passing by. St Josemaria Escriva.

When thinking about all this, I should like us to take stock of our mission as Christians. Let's turn our eyes to the holy Eucharist, toward Jesus. He is here with us, he has made us a part of himself: "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." God has decided to stay in the tabernacle to nourish us, strengthen us, make us divine and give effectiveness to our work and efforts. Jesus is at one and the same time the sower, the seed and the final result of the sowing: the bread of eternal life.

The miracle of the holy Eucharist is being continually renewed and it has all Jesus' personal traits. Perfect God and perfect man, Lord of heaven and earth, he offers himself to us as nourishment in the most natural and ordinary way. Love has been awaiting us for almost two thousand years. That's a long time and yet it's not, for when you are in love time flies.

I remember a lovely poem, one of the songs collected by Alfonso X the Wise. It's a legend about a simple monk who begged our Lady to let him see heaven, even if only for a moment. Our Lady granted him his wish and the good monk found himself in paradise. When he returned, he could not recognize the monastery — his prayer, which he had thought very short, lasted three centuries. Three centuries are nothing to a person in love. That's how I explain Christ waiting in the Eucharist It is God waiting for us, God who loves man, who searches us out, who loves us just as we are — limited, selfish, inconstant, but capable of discovering his infinite affection and of giving ourselves fully to him.

Motivated by his own love and by his desire to teach us to love, Jesus came on earth and has stayed with us in the Eucharist. "Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end": that's how St John begins his account of what happened on the eve of the passover when Jesus "took bread and after he had given thanks, broke it, and said, This is my body which is given up for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying: This is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."

asquared · #9 Nov 19, '04, 4:01 am

the dismissal is only for catechumens, and it is for the purpose of breaking open the word. the baptized should not be dismissed, but can rejoin the class after Mass for the doctrinal portion of the lesson.

Br. Rich SFO · #10 Nov 20, '04, 3:57 pm

Any Baptized person has a right to remain for the entire Mass if that is what they want to do. I do agree however that a well run BOW is helpful to both Catechumens and Candidates.

Lisa N · #11 Nov 20, '04, 4:08 pm

One of the things I thought about was the sacrifice the RCIA team makes by leaving with us. I really appreciate it. So far reading through the answers here (of interest because I am in the same boat) I think the idea of attending two masses is the best one. The sharing of the RCIA group during the dismissal is a very important part of our journey as well and I wouldn't want to miss it either.

Thanks to all who responded. Even though I didn't ask the question I still had an interest in what to do about the dilemna of wanting both the entire mass and the dismissal time.

Lisa N

George2 · #12 Nov 20, '04, 4:12 pm

No faith without obedience. I supose there must be valid reasons -either to increase your desire or make you appreciate being in full communion when that comes.

I think it makes sense as a rule really. You are not communicants. Just watching it is not the point. It is participatory in nature, not something to be viewed. This is why we all make the same responses, reflecting on their meaning too.

That is so great that you thought it out and researched which Church has the only truth claim - the fullness of the truth.

Many go through life never bothering to compare. To me it would be like not checking the real estate listings and mortgage rates - always living in the same place, never trying to improve.

Welcome Home.

jmm08 · #13 Nov 20, '04, 4:44 pm

Livnlove55: I am also in RCIA this time. I started studying more since June 2004 (although in my college days I was in the Catholic Chapel Choir because they had the best music).

(1) Although at first I thought I should be excused from having to attend RCIA, I am glad for the delay and glad to be in the class. And I am glad that I didn't rush in to be in "full communion". I would have been in error.

(2) We also have the "early dismissals". It really isn't a big deal so I don't think you should over-react. Because:
(a) At my RC Church, it is only done for a few weeks and only during the 10:30 am Sunday masses. I can additionally attend an earlier or later mass (and not be dismissed) if I thought I should.
(b) I usually attend at least one weekday mass anyway. And there will be no early dismissals during weekday masses.

maendem · #14 Nov 21, '04, 7:45 pm

Lots of people seem to be asking this question! Actually that's a great sign. I posted this elsewhere:

The practice of asking the catechumenates to leave the Mass before the offertory harks back to the earliest days of Christianity. It entails an acute recognition of the awesome and sacred mystery of the sacrifice of the Eucharist, which only the baptized were permitted to partake in as members of the Body of Christ.

It is my understanding that those preparing for baptism were not permitted to the Mass at all, at least for some centuries, (The letters from St. Cyril of Jerusalem (mid 4th century) contain lengthy, play-by-play descriptions of what happens at the Mass for catechumenates who could not yet participate) but perhaps they were simply asked to leave, as is the practice in many parishes today. The request illustrated the truth, so often forgotten today, that the Mass is no mere public spectacle but an intimate act of communion between Christ and His Bride the Church.

You mention that, "it's not like we're hiding a secret handshake, or anything."' In some ways, actually, we are. Well, not hiding it exactly, but keeping it intimately private, like the act of love between a husband and wife; no one outside the marriage may witness it.

Those in RCIA are simply not yet members of the Church, and may not yet partake in the immense privilege of the Eucharist. Asking them to leave might seem harsh, or at least strange, by modern standards, but it reinforces both to them and to the Church what an incredible gift and mystery is about to occur. When I was coming into the Church, I was aware of the practice of asking catechumenates to leave, but our parish did not do it. In a strange way, I was sorry. When understood, it can be a powerful teaching instrument for all.

**puzzleannie** · #15 Nov 21, '04, 10:07 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by maendem

The practice of asking the catechumenates to leave the Mass before the offertory harks back to the earliest days of Christianity. It entails an acute recognition of the awesome and sacred mystery of the sacrifice of the Eucharist, which only the baptized were permitted to partake in as members of the Body of Christ.

Those in RCIA are simply not yet members of the Church, and may not yet partake in the immense privilege of the Eucharist. Asking them to leave might seem harsh, or at least strange,.

the baptized are members of the Church, though imperfectly in communion with her, and should never be asked to leave the assembly. they may join the catechumens for breaking open the word, but cannot be required to leave.