Question about propriety in attending Mass prior to RCIA

[joe_cuban]

Question about propriety in attending Mass prior to RCIA

Hello, all.

My sister and I are both planning on starting the RCIA at out local church in August, but in the meantime we feel we should keep attending Mass and have been encouraged to do so by the faith formation director. After attending for a while and reading the book entitled “How-to Book of the Mass” we have a pretty solid idea of what to do, when, why, etc.

Obviously I know we are not to partake of the Blessed Sacrament, but what about all the other things? Blessing oneself upon entry, genuflecting at the Blessed Sacrament, bowing at the altar, etc. Is it appropriate that we do all these things or are we committing a grave impropriety? We already stick out like sore thumbs since we do not partake of the Eucharist (since 99% of the congregation does so).

Also, since I know that once we start the RCIA we will be required to leave at some point during Mass, is there a point at which we should be leaving now? I almost feel awkward attending for the entire duration since I know that, come August, I will not be allowed to do so.

 

[buzzcut]

I used to go to Mass while I was in RCIA. Crossing yourself I think of as like a prayer, and genuflecting as a sign of reverence for the Blessed Sacrament. Anyone can do those. Sometimes I used to stay seated while everyone went up for communion and sometimes I used to go up for a blessing but you have to make sure you get in the priest’s line.

 

[mommy]

I was in RCIA last year. I participated in the entire mass, except for the Eucharist. You genuflect as Christ is present in the tabernacle, and you are genuflecting to Him. I used the missle extensively as I did not know all the prayers and responses, but it really helped with learning them all.

The only time you will be asked to leave during mass is during the scrutinies. When you are in RCIA, the weeks leading up to Easter are really special, and you have the right of welcoming, the rite of sending, the scrutinies. You will leave after the homily. Our class went downstairs and discussed the homily or the parts of the mass for a better understanding, until the mass was over.

You will never regret joining RCIA, it is the best thing I EVER did.

 

[Dr.Colossus]

joe_cuban:

Obviously I know we are not to partake of the Blessed Sacrament, but what about all the other things? Blessing oneself upon entry, genuflecting at the Blessed Sacrament, bowing at the altar, etc. Is it appropriate that we do all these things or are we committing a grave impropriety? We already stick out like sore thumbs since we do not partake of the Eucharist (since 99% of the congregation does so).

You may and should bless yourself with holy water when you enter the Church. Holy water is a sacramental (you’ll learn about those in RCIA I’m sure) which cleanses us of venial sin. Genuflecting shows respect for Christ, present in the Tabernacle, and anyone may and should do so.

Also, since I know that once we start the RCIA we will be required to leave at some point during Mass, is there a point at which we should be leaving now? I almost feel awkward attending for the entire duration since I know that, come August, I will not be allowed to do so.

As was noted, candidates are only asked to leave during the scrutinies. This is not because they are not allowed to be present, but simply a reminder that they are not yet in full communion with the Church. The idea is to be a poignant reminder of what they are striving towards via RCIA, in hopes that it will help the candidates to focus on Christ as the reason for their conversion.

 

[NewCatholicGirl]

I too attended Mass and participated all but communion. Do go up and get a blessing from the Priest, it became a very special time for me. I took my sacraments last Easter Vigil and it was the best thing I ever did in my life. Read all you can, get the book of Catechism, and also I found Catholicism for Dummies a good and informative read. I also went to Mass in all the parish’s in my Diocese to get an idea of how things are done different. You will find it is different in all parish’s however the same format. You will like some more than others.

 

[Mysty101]

joe_cuban:

Question about propriety in attending Mass prior to RCIA

Hello, all.

My sister and I are both planning on starting the RCIA at out local church in August, but in the meantime we feel we should keep attending Mass and have been encouraged to do so by the faith formation director. .

Since Parishes do things differently, it would be best to ask your director any questions, but as a general rule, you may and should show all the reverence and prayer to the Blessed Sacrament, even though you cannot receive.

Regarding going up for a blessing, make certain this is a practice in the Parish you are attending. Some parishes do not encourage this, for fear of confusion.

Also, since I know that once we start the RCIA we will be required to leave at some point during Mass, is there a point at which we should be leaving now? I almost feel awkward attending for the entire duration since I know that, come August, I will not be allowed to do so

This, too is not always the practice. Some Parishes no longer require the candidates to leave, but either way you may attend now, and I feel this would be very beneficial to you.

 

[joe_cuban]

I will check with my priest before going up for a blessing, thanks for the warning!

I wonder, since dipping one’s fingers in the holy water and blessing one’s self upon entry is a reminder of baptism, is it still appropriate for me and my sister to do so?

 

[Joe_Kelley]

joe_cuban:

. . .I wonder, since dipping one’s fingers in the holy water and blessing one’s self upon entry is a reminder of baptism, is it still appropriate for me and my sister to do so?

Yes - We encourage our catechumens and inquirers to bless themselves with holy water in anticipation of ytheir coming baptism.

And those already baptised elsewhere are encourage to do so to affirm that baptism.