Neocatechumenal Way?

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averheyen

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Ok, consider me a complete neophyte, but I have absolutely no idea what this “Neocatechumenal Way” everyone is going on about is.

Can somebody please explain it to me? Thanks.
  • Adam
 
Hello Adam. You asked what the neocatechumenal way consists of.
Well I can respond personally because I am part of this way. I go to the Saturday Eucharist, which are the vispers for Sunday. The same exact mass is celebrated on Sunday vispers as in the Sunay mass.
What the Neocat does is to help aide a formation of adult faith in Jesuchrist through a community. It’s difficult to explain because, like the saying goes “i can show you the way but your the one who has to walk through it”, what I mean about this is that I can explain every single detail of this itineray of the neocat way but it would be of no use because one has to experience it first hand.
What I can tell you is my experience in how this has helped me to realize that God loves me for the sinner I am.
About 10 years ago when I was 14, my parents went to the catechesis that explain many biblical stuff. They were in the community for 4yrs or so. I can testify that my parents marriage got restored during those 4yrs they were in it. When they left i also left because I was more of a tagalong (they made me go to mass unwillingly). About five years ago, I decided to come back to the neocatechumenal way. I remember the night before I talked the catechist(the ones responsible for the communities), I didn’t sleep at all because I knew that returning to the community was going to be hard for me because it was going to give me a consciousness of what I was doing in my life(fornicating, beer parties what ‘normal’ young adults do). Now five years later I’m still in it. I can say that within these past five years, my life has definitly changed for the better. However its not easyfor me because I know that I have to be in chastity until I get married. I know that God hasn’t used this ‘neocatechumenal way’ as a way to put a blindfold on my eyes instead it has opened them to the reality of the society I live in. That God, especially in this NYC metroarea, is not seen by many.
This is just a jisp of what the neocatechumenal way is Adam. Any specific questions you can ask me.
 
MARKOS08, I think you meant to say “vigil”, not “vispers,” which would be spelled “vespers” in any event. :cool:
 
jmcdzzz said:
All dead links.
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Here is a text of one of the articles, as I am the one who posted the links:
And in fact, among the new movements that have arisen in the Catholic Church, the Neocatechumenal Way is the one that goes the farthest in introducing innovations to the celebration of the Mass.
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In the Neocatechumenal Way, communion is taken while seated around a large square table, with a large loaf of bread that is divided among the participants and wine that is passes from hand to hand and is taken in large swallows.
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But communion is not the only area in which there is a departure from the traditional liturgy. There are significant innovations in other parts of the Mass.
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For example, the readings from the liturgy of the Word are commented upon by the catechists of the group, who make lengthy “admonitions” followed by “resonances” from many of those present. The priest’s homily is hardly distinguished, or not distinguished at all, from the rest of the comments.
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The times and places for the Mass are also unusual.
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The Neocatechumenals do not celebrate their Masses on Sunday, but on Saturday evening, in small groups and separate from the parish communities to which they belong.
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Each Neocatechumenal group corresponds to a different stage of the Way, so each group of 20-30 persons has its own Mass. If there are ten groups of Neocatechumenals in a parish, there will be ten different Masses on Saturday evening, in ten separate locations.
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The statutes approved by the Holy See in 2002 require that the Masses of the Neocatechumenals be “open to other members of the faithful” (article 13.3), but in fact nothing has changed. The greetings, presentations, and applause during the entrance ceremony form a natural barrier to outsiders.
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Benedict XVI has written the last word on all of this.
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In mid-December, the founders and directors of the Neocatechumenal Way – Spaniards Kiko Argüello and Carmen Hernandez, and the Italian priest Mario Pezzi – received a two-page letter from cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, with a list of “decisions of the Holy Father” which they must obey.
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The letter is reproduced down below. Of the six points detailing the pope’s directives, only one permits the Neocatechumenals to continue what they are doing. This regards placing the exchange of peace before the offertory, a traditional practice in the Christian liturgy which is still in use today, for example, in the Ambrosian Rite celebrated in the archdiocese of Milan.
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All the other points require the Neocatechumenal Way to eliminate a large portion of its liturgical innovations.
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Until recently, the founders and directors of the Way had shielded these practices by claiming they had received verbal authorization from John Paul II. But with Benedict XVI, playtime is over.
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And it’s coming to an end for the liturgical abuses practiced throughout the Church. In this regard, pope Joseph Ratzinger’s document in conclusion of the synod of the Eucharist will be of great interest.
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I do not know why the link is not working. Here is the link to the actual magazine:

chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/21474?eng=y

The link is working. The article I quoted from was written in December. What you may want to do is look on your right hand side and go through the articles from 2006 through 2008. It documents the history of the issues regarding the liturgy. The article I quoted also includes a copy of the letter that Francis Cardinal Arinze, Prefect Emeritus for the Congregation for Divine Worship, sent to the movement’s founders.

Chiesa is the Italian version of the National Catholic Register and Adoremus. In fact, Adoremus will sometims post articles from the magazine.

The Way was supposed to have taken care of the liturgical issues immediately, except for the distribution of Holy Communion, which they had two years to correct.
 
My thanks to Benedictgal for the posting expertise. :thankyou:
 
Why has this thread been transferred to Apologetics? Originally it was in traditional catholicsm forum. hmm

Thank God the Neocat. Way went through scrutiny by the Holy See and found ways to make it more authentic in its purpose. The whole controversy about recieving the Body of Christ sitting down is now settled. When the priest comes with the body of Christ we stand up to recieve him and remain standing until the priest has said so. Same with His blood.
Regarding the admonitions before the each reading, ever since I can remember they are given to invite everyone to listen to the reading. Sometimes when I go to Eucharist I don’t want to be there, but when I hear a admonitions that invites me to not have my ears closed, I pay attention to the reading and it really touches my life.
And when I read the article in chiesa that bentigale proudly links, about the homily of the priest not being important! That’s so important to me, the knowledge given by God in the homily can change ones life just in that Eucharist.
Can this thread be put back in the original place i t was posted please? I just feel that there are many people who truely hate the Neocat. Way, for whatever reason. Many of us in this forum probably are cradle catholics and I give thanks to God that many lifes are being changed through our Roman Catholic church.
 
MARKOS08 said:
Why has this thread been transferred to Apologetics? Originally it was in traditional catholicsm forum. hmm

Thank God the Neocat. Way went through scrutiny by the Holy See and found ways to make it more authentic in its purpose. The whole controversy about recieving the Body of Christ sitting down is now settled. When the priest comes with the body of Christ we stand up to recieve him and remain standing until the priest has said so. Same with His blood.
Regarding the admonitions before the each reading, ever since I can remember they are given to invite everyone to listen to the reading. Sometimes when I go to Eucharist I don’t want to be there, but when I hear a admonitions that invites me to not have my ears closed, I pay attention to the reading and it really touches my life.
And when I read the article in chiesa that bentigale proudly links, about the homily of the priest not being important! That’s so important to me, the knowledge given by God in the homily can change ones life just in that Eucharist.
Can this thread be put back in the original place i t was posted please? I just feel that there are many people who truely hate the Neocat. Way, for whatever reason. Many of us in this forum probably are cradle catholics and I give thanks to God that many lifes are being changed through our Roman Catholic church.
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What link would that be – that says the homily is Not important.
 
Hello Walking Home!
"For example, the readings from the liturgy of the Word are commented upon by the catechists of the group, who make lengthy “admonitions” followed by “resonances” from many of those present. The priest’s homily is hardly distinguished, or not distinguished at all, from the rest of the comments" It was quoted in benitctgal reply above.
The homily is important.

Peace be with you Walking Home
 
MARKOS08 said:
Hello Walking Home!
"For example, the readings from the liturgy of the Word are commented upon by the catechists of the group, who make lengthy “admonitions” followed by “resonances” from many of those present. The priest’s homily is hardly distinguished, or not distinguished at all, from the rest of the comments" It was quoted in benitctgal reply above.
The homily is important.

Peace be with you Walking Home
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Quote=MARKOS08
And when I read the article in chiesa that bentigale proudly links, about the homily of the priest not being important!
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That section above is not saying the priests homily is not important. It is pointing out the the NCW “admonitions” and “resonances” are over shadowing the priests homily – to where the priests homily is hardly – if at all distinguishable from the “admonitions” and “resonances”. It is certainly Not a good thing for the “admonitions” and “resonances” to basically overtake the priest’s homily.
 
MARKOS08, your posts are so full of typos that they are difficult for some to read. I hate to sound rude, but it really damages your credibility when all of your posts- at least in this thread- have spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and/or word usage mistakes.

Has the rest of the Church really been wrong in it’s approach to worship for most of its existance? Has the multitude of canonized saints been wrong, who have all had a strong devotion to the Eucharist- and who wouldn’t *dream *of having it just by sitting around a table like the Neocatechumenal Way has done (and the Neocatechumenal Way only corrected this abuse when the Church told them to- they shouldn’t have done it in the first place!)
 
In the Ercole de Roberti and Sassetta paintings both titled “Institution of the Eucharist”, Jesus and the Apostles are seated. But is this the way the Church teaches it to be done? NO. Taking your cue for religious practices from 15th century art is as bad as taking it from 21st century television. Or from your own act of disobedience. (I began sentances with but and or for you m134e5.) 😃
 
Hello M314e5
Excuse me for my ignorances and typos regarding on my communication skills. And no you’re not rude. If you can, please tell me in what I have confused you in order for me to re-explain ,to you, more properly.
Regarding what you say Bunbury, everything I have said is what I do in the Eucarist. I am trying to answer Adam(original poster) who asked what the Neocat. Way is. I’m replying not for debates or arguments.
 
I have been in the NCW for several years now. Before and after its statutes were definitely approved. I have seen the changes made to it. Which have been followed with great joy by all those I know in the NCW, because the Pope himself has directed us closer to our Faith. We no longer take the flesh or blood of Christ sitting down. We stay standing until everyone has taken communion. This Eucharist we do is open to the public, anyone can attend and even participate in it. The Eucarist is part of the parish’s pastoral liturgy and are open to anyone who wishes to participate in or attend them, including
that they can *only * EVER be lead by the Pastor of the parish. If you have the NCW at your parish, go to your Pastor and ask him to announce it to the other masses. The only differences between the two masses is the reflection of the word, and the admonitions before each reading, which in NO WAY downplay the homily. It enriches it further more because through the reflections of the word in the community it brings more life to what the priest says in his Homily. The Eucarist is just for those who feel the need for more on the word of Christ, if you are happy with the Mass you attend than be happy and Thank the lord you have found what you need for your faith, and I will thank the Lord for the path I have found for mine.

There is one God, one Son and the Holy Spirit in the Catholic Faith but there is in no way just ONE way to find your faith. This is not a communist marxist religion. Three popes have recognized and blessed this initiation(NC WAY). And its growth has only occurred because the people of the world have starved for this way into the heart of the Holy Trinity. It is not for everyone, because everyone is different. If you can’t have faith in that God has given the heads of this Catholic Church the discernment to shepherd its people towards God in such modern times than you can’t have faith in much else. This NC Way has been scrutinized and analyzed by those with the responsibility of five separate Vatican dicasteries: the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, the Congregation for the Clergy, and the Congregation for Catholic Education, all of which gave careful examination to the statutes, alongside the Pontifical Council for the Laity which co-ordinated and concluded the process. Enough is enough. If any changes are made in The NC Way as those ahead of the totality of the Catholic Church think fit, then they’ll be accepted and followed with joy, because this initiation is in the service of the church.
 
I have been attending their “catecheses” and while their core beliefs are orthodox, their ecclesiology seems to be a little off especially in terms of the ministerial priesthood. They tend to overemphasize the common priesthood of the laity. It was also said that holy mass did not have to be celebrated in a church. Also it seems that their beliefs in the sacrificial aspect of the Holy Mass are a bit off. I can’t quite put my finger on it.

Their liturgies are on Saturday evenings ONLY and are never in the main church but in the basement. The particular church where I attend the catechesis sessions is in the process of building a chapel in the basement for their liturgies. I have also attended a NeoCat liturgy and, I have to say, it was pathetic. Again, their hearts are in the right place but lex orendi lex credendi is not the order of the day. I can’t abide by dancing around their so-called altar which is really a table. They sit around it and yes, they do communicate sitting down. The meal aspect seems to trump the sacrificial nature of Holy Mass. Also, and this really turned me off, someone took me aside and said that I’m supposed to attend their catechesis sessions before going to their litugy which flew in the face of the rulings from the Vatican that these masses are to be integrated into the parish. That is, anyone in the parish can attend their so-called liturgies. It seems that they are setting up a para-church or church within a church. That is my sense.

But through all of what I said above, they are sincere in their beliefs and are trying to bring people back into the bosom of the church. They are big on community and being there for each other which is not a bad thing. They are trying, it seems to me, to recapture the essence of the Early Church. Again the big hangup that I have with them is their liturgy and their ecclesiology. Ok, I’ve had my say. Thanks.
 
siciliano said:
It was also said that holy mass did not have to be celebrated in a church.
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This is OK.

The early church met in houses and other places, more intimate settings. Church buildings became important after the church was legalized by Constantine.
siciliano said:
Also it seems that their beliefs in the sacrificial aspect of the Holy Mass are a bit off. I can’t quite put my finger on it.
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I would certainly like to learn more about that.
siciliano said:
Their liturgies are on Saturday evenings ONLY and are never in the main church but in the basement.
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If I recall correctly, I have read that in the early church, Mass was celebrated between dusk and dawn (sometimes late in the evening, sometimes early in the morning), it was an overnight affair in many cases. With that perspective in mind an 11 AM Sunday Mass is no more correct than a 6PM Saturday night Mass.

However according to the liturgical calendar Sunday begins at sunset Saturday night. Personally, I think Vespers should be restored throughout the church on Saturday night and Saturday night ‘anticipation’ Masses should be curtailed. But if that is not practical or advisable there is no reason for the NeoCat’s to stop their practice.

In any case, this frees up their priests to help out on Sundays at regular Masses.
siciliano said:
… their hearts are in the right place but lex orendi lex credendi is not the order of the day.
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I am really curious about this. Are the hymns and prayers not correctly worded, or are they omitted?
siciliano said:
The meal aspect seems to trump the sacrificial nature of Holy Mass.
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The early church did have a Holy Meal, I always wondered how that was done. It seems like this movement is attempting to replicate a long neglected liturgical practice. I am not sure what to think about that, doing it wrong can have unforeseen negative consequences.
siciliano said:
Also, and this really turned me off, someone took me aside and said that I’m supposed to attend their catechesis sessions before going to their litugy which flew in the face of the rulings from the Vatican that these masses are to be integrated into the parish. That is, anyone in the parish can attend their so-called liturgies. It seems that they are setting up a para-church or church within a church.
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Every religious order and community is a church within a church. This one seems to be parish oriented but if they had separate buildings (like priories and oratories) perhaps it would not be so alarming. We would recognize them differently.

I think the catechesis demand is legitimate (although overruled now by the Pope). If there is anything most people can agree on it is that good catechesis is lacking in the church today. I approve of this requirement more than any other.
siciliano said:
But through all of what I said above, they are sincere in their beliefs and are trying to bring people back into the bosom of the church. They are big on community and being there for each other which is not a bad thing. They are trying, it seems to me, to recapture the essence of the Early Church. Again the big hangup that I have with them is their liturgy and their ecclesiology. Ok, I’ve had my say. Thanks.
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I really like your post, it gave me a lot to think about. 🙂

I would like to learn more about your thoughts on the ecclesiology of this group. It seems to me that they accept the Pope and the local bishop so that should be fine.

Parishes are interesting in that they were introduced as an innovation at one point in church history. Small ecclesial communities happen to be how the underground {“bush”} church is structured anywhere that happens to be necessary (in Ireland in past centuries under British Protestant oppression, in former Soviet Gulags, in severe Muslim countries for centuries without counting, in China today!). We have entered a post-Christian age in the west, and this might be a fruitful way forward in Europe and America.
 
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