Hopefully straight answers to my questions about becoming catholic and the mass

[uwwhitewater84]

Hello all

I’m not a Catholic but I have decided that I want to attend RCIA classes when they start. I do however have questions about the process and what a now-protestant can and can’t do during a Sunday mass. I have been searching and reading about the Internet for these answers, but a lot of answers that I have found seem to contradict one another.

So here goes…

1. Am I welcome and allowed to participate in mass, just as long as I do not take communion? One source I found said that I had to leave during the Eucharist segment of mass (it said something to the effect of "non-Catholics are not allowed to participate in the liturgy of the Eucharist), while others said that I was allowed to stay in the pew and pray for a spiritual communion of sorts. Which is true and am I confused about what the liturgy of the Eucharist actually is? If I am, what is the liturgy of the Eucharist?
2. At the end of RCIA, will I be baptized and confirmed? Is at the end of RCIA, when I make my statement of faith to the Church during Easter, when I can take my first communion?
3. Am I allowed to genuflect, kneel, and cross myself during the mass as do the confirmed Catholics?
4. One source I found said that it could take a year or two to complete RCIA and become a Catholic, while others say that it starts sometime earlier in the fall and continues until Easter. Which is true?
5. I was advised by a friend to start attending mass and to learn the traditions and to what during communion. Is this right?

I have been attending mass for awhile now and I really enjoy it. I find myself much more spiritually fulfilled and charged for the week than I ever did going to a Protestant church. Long story short, I feel I get more out of mass.

I hope my questions are reasonable. Thanks for your answers!

Tom

 

[ricmat]

Hello all

I’m not a Catholic but I have decided that I want to attend RCIA classes when they start. I do however have questions about the process and what a now-protestant can and can’t do during a Sunday mass. I have been searching and reading about the Internet for these answers, but a lot of answers that I have found seem to contradict one another.

So here goes…

1. Am I welcome and allowed to participate in mass, just as long as I do not take communion? One source I found said that I had to leave during the Eucharist segment of mass (it said something to the effect of "non-Catholics are not allowed to participate in the liturgy of the Eucharist), while others said that I was allowed to stay in the pew and pray for a spiritual communion of sorts. Which is true and am I confused about what the liturgy of the Eucharist actually is? If I am, what is the liturgy of the Eucharist?
2. At the end of RCIA, will I be baptized and confirmed? Is at the end of RCIA, when I make my statement of faith to the Church during Easter, when I can take my first communion?
3. Am I allowed to genuflect, kneel, and cross myself during the mass as do the confirmed Catholics?
4. One source I found said that it could take a year or two to complete RCIA and become a Catholic, while others say that it starts sometime earlier in the fall and continues until Easter. Which is true?
5. I was advised by a friend to start attending mass and to learn the traditions and to what during communion. Is this right?

I have been attending mass for awhile now and I really enjoy it. I find myself much more spiritually fulfilled and charged for the week than I ever did going to a Protestant church. Long story short, I feel I get more out of mass.

I hope my questions are reasonable. Thanks for your answers!

Tom

Answers with your numbering:

1. Yes, you can do everything but go to communion. At some point in the RCIA process, there may be some masses that you attend where you leave after the liturgy of the word. But normally you can stay to the end.
2. If you have not been baptized properly already, you would normally be baptized at the Easter Vigil. Also receive first communion. In some dioceses you would also be confirmed (and in other dioceses there is a separate ceremony). Also, RCIA usually continues after the Easter Vigil for a few weeks.
3. Yes.
4. Depends on the diocese.
5. All are welcome to attend mass. The only restriction is that non-Catholics can’t receive communion.

As a separate issue, sometimes weekend masses can be very “distracting” (lots of kids crying, etc). If you’haven’t done so already, I recommend trying a weekday mass where you can concentrate more on what the priest says, and the responses. Just a suggestion, and not a requirement

 

[uwwhitewater84]

Yes - I was baptized, but in a Methodist church.

 

[kell0618]

Yes - I was baptized, but in a Methodist church.

The Catholic Church recognizes the baptisms of the Methodist Church to be valid so you are good to go in that regard.

 

[TableServant]

A couple of quick additions to these excellent responses:

One source I found said that I had to leave during the Eucharist segment of mass (it said something to the effect of "non-Catholics are not allowed to participate in the liturgy of the Eucharist

Answers with your numbering:

1. Yes, you can do everything but go to communion. At some point in the RCIA process, there may be some masses that you attend where you leave after the liturgy of the word. But normally you can stay to the end.

Most RCIA programs will have a particular Mass that all of those who are seeking the Sacraments will attend together. Those who have not yet received First Communion will be dismissed (step out of the church together, going to another room or building) after the homily for what is generally called “Breaking open the Word,” a period of time, usually lasting until approximately the end of Mass, during which the group discusses the scriptures and the homily. This usually starts after the Rite of Acceptance, when you indicate your own desire to continue on the journey toward receiving the Sacraments, and the larger community welcomes you and is asked to pray for you in particular.

One source I found said that it could take a year or two to complete RCIA and become a Catholic, while others say that it starts sometime earlier in the fall and continues until Easter. Which is true?

1. Depends on the diocese.

As much as this might depend on the diocese, and even the parish RCIA program, it also (should) depend on you, the individual who is seeking the sacraments. We, as a church, do not - or, at least should not - force you to “complete a 9 month program,” and then, “receive a certificate.” As much as the “it’s a journey” metaphor may be over-used, we do recognize that the Lord works in each individual person’s life in different ways.

We do celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil for adults, and then have a period called Mystagogy, which further explores what is happening in your life as a Catholic, so there is a schedule of the Rites. However, if you say you aren’t ready for that, no one should “make” you, or “force” you to receive the Sacraments. We might encourage, but this journey is yours with the Lord, we are your companions.

Congratulations, and welcome. Please, don’t be afraid to ask questions. We will be happy to give answers, and then answer the questions that those answers bring up.

God bless you,

Deacon Jim
(TableServant)

 

[IronHammer]

Welcome to the Catholic Church. I was myself Assembly of God before I married my wife 18 years ago. I am so glad I met a catholic girl to introduce me to Christ’s true church.

1. Am I welcome and allowed to participate in mass, just as long as I do not take communion? One source I found said that I had to leave during the Eucharist segment of mass (it said something to the effect of "non-Catholics are not allowed to participate in the liturgy of the Eucharist), while others said that I was allowed to stay in the pew and pray for a spiritual communion of sorts. Which is true and am I confused about what the liturgy of the Eucharist actually is? If I am, what is the liturgy of the Eucharist?

Everyone is welcome at Mass. Some may give you sideways glances but they have just forgotten their calling in Christ. Remember, Our Lord called you to His church. It is Him you must keep your eyes and heart set on!

As far as the liturgy of the Eucharist. You may be a bit confused as to just what liturgy is. Liturgy can be thought of like worship. You have realized by now how the entire Catholic Mass (except for the homily or “preaching” part) is about honoring and worshipping our Lord. The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the part of Mass (there are distinct parts, look it up sometime, it’s very interesting) where the ordinary bread and wine are turned into the body and blood of our lord. I think part of the reason why non-catholics were once asked to leave at this time is historical more than anything else. The early first and second century church was often accused of being cannibals. “They eat the body and blood of the man they worship”…that sort of thing.

1. At the end of RCIA, will I be baptized and confirmed? Is at the end of RCIA, when I make my statement of faith to the Church during Easter, when I can take my first communion?

Usually you are finally confirmed and receive first communion at what’s known as Easter Vigil (Saturday evening Mass the night before Easter Sunday) when catechuman’s are accepted into full communion (both spiritually and Christ’s body) into the Church.

1. Am I allowed to genuflect, kneel, and cross myself during the mass as do the confirmed Catholics?

Again, you have heard the call of Christ and you are in His presence at mass. All of those things are appropriate whether you are catholic or not.

1. One source I found said that it could take a year or two to complete RCIA and become a Catholic, while others say that it starts sometime earlier in the fall and continues until Easter. Which is true?

Like someone else said, this depends on the diocese but usually it is up to you. If you attend RCIA for a month or two and Easter Vigil has rolled around and you fully understand what it is you are about to profess, then you are ready. Ask your parish priest for info on that one.

1. I was advised by a friend to start attending mass and to learn the traditions and to what during communion. Is this right?

This will certainly familiarize you with the traditions of catholics (genuflecting, crossing one’s self, etc…) so it is good. Some things like genuflecting and crossing one’s self are self explanatory but without RCIA or somebody to explain why we do what we do, some actions my seem a bit pointless from your protestant perspective. I asure you, however, everything you see and do as a catholic has a good and usually rich tradition. Come back here for answers on some of that stuff.

I have been attending mass for awhile now and I really enjoy it. I find myself much more spiritually fulfilled and charged for the week than I ever did going to a Protestant church. Long story short, I feel I get more out of mass.

You are already better off than many catholics sitting with you at Mass. “Keep following me” he said to Saint Peter. Never stop, my friend.

I hope my questions are reasonable. Thanks for your answers!

Tom

You are quite welcome. God bless you on your journey into His Church!

 

[mercygate]

Hello all

I’m not a Catholic but I have decided that I want to attend RCIA classes when they start. I do however have questions about the process and what a now-protestant can and can’t do during a Sunday mass. I have been searching and reading about the Internet for these answers, but a lot of answers that I have found seem to contradict one another.

So here goes…

1. Am I welcome and allowed to participate in mass, just as long as I do not take communion? One source I found said that I had to leave during the Eucharist segment of mass (it said something to the effect of "non-Catholics are not allowed to participate in the liturgy of the Eucharist), while others said that I was allowed to stay in the pew and pray for a spiritual communion of sorts. Which is true and am I confused about what the liturgy of the Eucharist actually is? If I am, what is the liturgy of the Eucharist?
2. At the end of RCIA, will I be baptized and confirmed? Is at the end of RCIA, when I make my statement of faith to the Church during Easter, when I can take my first communion?
3. Am I allowed to genuflect, kneel, and cross myself during the mass as do the confirmed Catholics?
4. One source I found said that it could take a year or two to complete RCIA and become a Catholic, while others say that it starts sometime earlier in the fall and continues until Easter. Which is true?
5. I was advised by a friend to start attending mass and to learn the traditions and to what during communion. Is this right?

I have been attending mass for awhile now and I really enjoy it. I find myself much more spiritually fulfilled and charged for the week than I ever did going to a Protestant church. Long story short, I feel I get more out of mass.

I hope my questions are reasonable. Thanks for your answers!

Tom

Welcome, Tom! May your journey be blessed by the company of good and holy companions. Be patient. Ask questions. If you don’t get the same answer twice, ask a third time. It almost took a phone call to the Pope to find out when I was eligible to make my general confession!

God love ya!

 

[dalesmom]

I AM A NEWLY CONFIRMED CATHOLIC. I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE MYSTAGOGY.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN AND HOW LONG DOES IT LAST AND WHY DO WE DO THAT?

 

[LeahInancsi]

Drop PUZZLEANNIE an e-mail and she can answer your questions and lead you to the right path.

 

[BillFL]

www.paulturner.org/mystagogy.htm

Here is a brief explanation of that period following Easter (usually) for the new Catholics

 

[puzzleannie]

I AM A NEWLY CONFIRMED CATHOLIC. I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE MYSTAGOGY.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN AND HOW LONG DOES IT LAST AND WHY DO WE DO THAT?

mystagogy is a Greek word that means “study of the mysteries” that is, study of the sacraments especially Eucharist. Since the catechumens were dismissed after the readings and homily for their session studying the scripture readings, they have not until Easter participated in the full Mass. The period of mystagogy is most intensely a study and reflection on the Eucharist, and also a reflection on the sacraments and the process the neophyte (newly baptized person) has just experienced. Think of it as a honeymoon period, where you take time to really reflect on and savor the new graces received in the Easter sacraments. It is also a time where sponsors and others in the parish should take particular care to welcome the neophytes into parish life and ministry. It should last as a rock bottom minimum every week until Pentecost, but ideally should be a year of regular meetings, at least monthly, and participation in parish events and outreaches.

If you recall from your RCIA process there were a lot of things they did not “explain” before they happened, the reason is some things have to be experienced before they can be explained. Think of your first football game, they could have tried to explain how the game is played, but until you actually watched or played a game you could not “get it”. Mystagogy is the period where we try to help you “get it” and help you answer the questions, “so I am baptized, now what?”

Please, please participate in whatever mystagogy your parish has, no matter how brief, because experience has shown this is critical to whether or not you remain firm in your conversion.

 

[jmcrae]

I AM A NEWLY CONFIRMED CATHOLIC. I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE MYSTAGOGY.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN AND HOW LONG DOES IT LAST AND WHY DO WE DO THAT?

Mystagogia is the seven lessons that you go to after Easter, when you become a Catholic.

Not all parishes bother with it, though, which is unfortunate.

 

[Light_Seeker]

1. Am I welcome and allowed to participate in mass, just as long as I do not take communion? One source I found said that I had to leave during the Eucharist segment of mass (it said something to the effect of "non-Catholics are not allowed to participate in the liturgy of the Eucharist), while others said that I was allowed to stay in the pew and pray for a spiritual communion of sorts. Which is true and am I confused about what the liturgy of the Eucharist actually is? If I am, what is the liturgy of the Eucharist?

Tom,
Just wanted to answer this question and contribute to the other good answers — as I am a new convert just finishing up this years RCIA studies.

In my parish, the RCIA Candidates (previously baptized in another Christian faith) & Catacumans (never baptized) always sat in reserved seating (very front pews) with their sponsors at Sunday Mass. The scheduled mass times would change to allow us the experience to attend the different ‘styles’ of Mass - as an example, our early Sunday morn Mass has a full traditional choir in their robes as compared to the Sunday night Mass, folk guitars and a choir singing more ‘younger’ renditions appealing to the Teen Life attendance. Catacumans were always dismissed before the Eucharist to go study & reflect on the readings. The Candidates stayed, & went up to the Eucharistic Minister or Priest with arms folded, signifying they wanted a blessing rather than Communion.

Reading these replies, seems like different parishes handle RCIA attendance a little different.

As far as a sponsor, half of my RCIA class of 30 had significant others as their sponsor, I elected to be assigned a sponsor, even though my Cradle Catholic wife of 20 years could have easily been my sponsor. I heatly recommend being assigned a sponsor, as I have found a new friend, mentor, and confidant I would have never known!

I wish you the best of luck on your journey, & hope that is as fulfilling as mine has been! If you’re getting ‘charged’ going to Mass now, just wait until you’re fully Confirmed and knowledgeable next Easter - you’ll be on fire, & can’t wait to attend Mass!

 

[Mary3]

Tom,

Welcome! The other posters have given you excellent advice, and I will only add one thing. RCIA is a discovery process, and a time for you to learn about the teachings of the faith as well as to be immersed in a Catholic fellowship. Signing up for RCIA does not necessarily mean you will join the Church after one course of study (or ever). I did not. I repeated RCIA twice before I was sure.

Godspeed on this journey! Come back anytime to ask more questions. I am praying for you.

 

[Mintaka]

Re: mystagogy

You might really enjoy reading St. Cyril of Jerusalem’s RCIA class transcripts. When he was teaching, it wasn’t long after the Emperor Constantine stopped all the persecution of the Church. There was still a lot of protectiveness about the mysteries – catechumens had to promise not to tell anyone what they were told in class, and the transcript asks that only baptized Christians read it, and not show it to the unbaptized at all!

Anyway, even back then they had mystagogy. It was very practical – since the Sacraments were considered mysteries too sacred to tell the catachumens about beforehand, the teacher had to explain the meaning of what had been done to them afterward! (Although it was expected that people knew the Scriptures well enough by Easter vigil to have a pretty shrewd guess at what the mysterious Sacraments would be like.)

 

[DARichards]

Tom,

First of all let me give you a hearty congrats for deciding to sit through the RCIA process. I just came into the Church Easter of '06. First of all, it is a process, and I would reinforce to you the fact that just because you are going through the process, it doesn’t commit you to anything. Just sit back, enjoy, and let the Holy Spirit guide you on the wonderful journey you are about to embark on. These answers are based on my experience, and others may vary.

Hello all

I’m not a Catholic but I have decided that I want to attend RCIA classes when they start. I do however have questions about the process and what a now-protestant can and can’t do during a Sunday mass. I have been searching and reading about the Internet for these answers, but a lot of answers that I have found seem to contradict one another.

So here goes…

1. Am I welcome and allowed to participate in mass, just as long as I do not take communion? One source I found said that I had to leave during the Eucharist segment of mass (it said something to the effect of "non-Catholics are not allowed to participate in the liturgy of the Eucharist), while others said that I was allowed to stay in the pew and pray for a spiritual communion of sorts. Which is true and am I confused about what the liturgy of the Eucharist actually is? If I am, what is the liturgy of the Eucharist?

You are more than welcom to participate in all parts of the Mass with the exception of receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist. You may stay in the pew and pray, or you may go forward with your arms crossed (hands on the shoulders) and ask for a blessing from the priest. You will notice the younger children doing this prior to reception of their first Communion. The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the bringing forth of the gifts and proceeds until the time that the Blessed Sacrament is returned to the Tabernacle by the priest. This represents the changing of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of our Lord which we recieve.

1. At the end of RCIA, will I be baptized and confirmed? Is at the end of RCIA, when I make my statement of faith to the Church during Easter, when I can take my first communion?

If you have been baptized validly by another Protestant denominiation (“In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit”), then your baptism should be valid. I was not able to provide proof of such being that the church that I was baptized in didn’t keep records. When I was recieved during the Easter Vigil, I was baptized, confirmed, and recieved my first Communion in the same evening. You will not be able to recieve the Sacament until that time.

1. Am I allowed to genuflect, kneel, and cross myself during the mass as do the confirmed Catholics?

Yes…get your practice in…I know it will feel a little funny at first, but it is a wonderful blessing. I would also recommend you reading a book…“The Sign of the Cross”, by Bert Ghezzi…It is a wonderful book that covers the prayers and the reasoning behind our making the Sign of the Cross.

1. One source I found said that it could take a year or two to complete RCIA and become a Catholic, while others say that it starts sometime earlier in the fall and continues until Easter. Which is true?

Generally the latter is true. Our class begins in September and concludes with the Easter Vigil. Also, remeber that you will need a sponsor in the RCIA program. This should be someone that is well grounded in the Faith and can help to answer questions for you.

1. I was advised by a friend to start attending mass and to learn the traditions and to what during communion. Is this right?

Yes, again, get your pracitce in. Ask questions, find a good sponsor…

I have been attending mass for awhile now and I really enjoy it. I find myself much more spiritually fulfilled and charged for the week than I ever did going to a Protestant church. Long story short, I feel I get more out of mass.

I hope my questions are reasonable. Thanks for your answers!

Tom

Hope this helps

 

[hosemonkey]

Warm welcome! You are embarking on the happiest voyage of discovery. The Catholic Church possesses spiritual riches beyond your greatest imaginings and comfort to the mind and soul. In my case, I did not go through the RCIA process, but was privately instructed by a dear priest friend. Coming out of atheism, I had been studying Catholicism with a view to debunking the whole superstitious mess. Well, I found out that to study the Church, you must draw close to her. The more I studied and observed, The greater the longing in my heart to partake of her blessings as the bride of Christ. Well, as you might expect, my doubt became love and I knew that the Church was the true Bride of Christ. I begged to be admitted. Father Crump questioned me closely and tested my knowlege. After four weeks, he pronounced me ready. I confessed, was baptised, confirmed and received first Holy Communion at Mass the following Sunday. My entire family entered with me. As I said, this is not the norm, but I will remember how I felt until the day I die. You are so fortunate. Welcome home.

 

[Mary3]

Also, remeber that you will need a sponsor in the RCIA program. This should be someone that is well grounded in the Faith and can help to answer questions for you.

Tom,

One more thing about sponsors. Most parishes in my area provide a group of Catholics to provide hosting and hospitality for the RCIA program. Their first responsibility is to ‘mix and mingle’ with the participants, forming friendship bonds in the process. From this pool, sponsor relationships naturally evolve.

Just don’t want you to think you have to bring a sponsor in order to begin attending RCIA. If you already have someone in mind, it’s fine to use them provided they meet the requirements to be a sponsor. I believe the requirements are that they be a baptized and confirmed, practicing Catholic, in good standing with the Church, and there may be a minimum age requirement but I’m not sure (i.e. an adult, not a teenager?).

All that to say, don’t worry if you don’t already have a sponsor or don’t know any Catholics. God will take care of that through your parish at the proper time.