RCIA and Breaking Open the Word

[pseudosig]

I’m trying to better understand the tradition with RCIA catechumens being dismissed after the homily to go to “breaking open the word”. I know that this dates back to the early church of catechumens not being allowed to take part in the Liturgy of the Eucharist. But I’m trying to better understand the general guidance for this time today. Breaking open the word is a common buzz phrase, where did that start or come from? Is there general guidance in some book like General/National Directory for Catechesis on breaking open the word? I’m trying to better understand today’s options and rubrics for properly handling this time for the catechumens (and candidates).

 

[Vic_Taltrees_UK]

I think the metaphor was the Word as bread broken for a hungry world.

 

[Alex_H]

Ha, every sunday we “Break open the word” at my RCIA class. I’ve never thought about where the phrase comes from. I just know that the instructor says that since we cannot participate in the physical communion, we can still participate in a sort of spiritual communion by talking about the scripture read at Mass.

 

[pianistclare]

I’m trying to better understand the tradition with RCIA catechumens being dismissed after the homily to go to “breaking open the word”. I know that this dates back to the early church of catechumens not being allowed to take part in the Liturgy of the Eucharist. But I’m trying to better understand the general guidance for this time today. Breaking open the word is a common buzz phrase, where did that start or come from? Is there general guidance in some book like General/National Directory for Catechesis on breaking open the word? I’m trying to better understand today’s options and rubrics for properly handling this time for the catechumens (and candidates).

It’s not that they are 'Not allowed". Certainly anyone and everyone is allowed to stay for an entire Mass.
It’s that the subsequent parts will have far greater meaning for them when they are fully received. It’s a building up of understanding of the Mass in the context of their learning. RCIA is all about learning and understanding the story of salvation. After the Gospel they delve deeper into the message of Christ. They are not there to fall in love with the ritual, but to falling in love with Christ first. Falling in love with the Mass itself will come.
Breaking open the Word is not a buzz phrase. It’s part of their education in the faith.
Pray for them as they delve deeper into the Gospel mysteries. It’s a very beautiful part of their formation.
Peace.

 

[Magdalen2013]

I beg to differ with Pianistclare – There WAS a time, when Christians were persecuted, that the catechumen were not allowed to stay for the entire Mass. In those times preparation for baptism could take two years – and they were dismissed to discuss the readings they heard.

As for “breaking open the Word” – this is meant to teach you to look at the many different levels of the Scripture, to bring you closer to the Mystery.

 

[pianistclare]

I beg to differ with Pianistclare – There WAS a time, when Christians were persecuted, that the catechumen were not allowed to stay for the entire Mass. In those times preparation for baptism could take two years – and they were dismissed to discuss the readings they heard.

As for “breaking open the Word” – this is meant to teach you to look at the many different levels of the Scripture, to bring you closer to the Mystery.

Yes.
I was referring to now, not history. But the OP did ask about history, thank you.

 

[otjm]

As recommended by several priests concerning the practice of “breaking open the Word”:
the leader of the group reads the Gospel of the Sunday, and then asks the question: “What word or phrase caught your attention”? The Gospel is read again, and the next question is “what, if any, is the ‘Ah ha’! that has occurred to you”? The Gospel is read a 3rd time, and the question is “How does this Gospel reading call you to change”?

The process, once you become comfortable with it, seems to work better in a group of at least 4 or 5; if the group is too large, there is a tendency to devolve into conversation. It is supposed to be short answers, and not a time for instruction, but rather a time to encourage each individual to look at the readings from their own perspective.

It does not always work for everyone; some people either cannot/do not seem to be able to answer. No one should be put on the spot and required to answer; but as the weeks pass by, people seem to expand their reflection and to at times be moved by others’ answers.

It also works for private reading of scripture (with exceptions to some of the Old Testament sections which seem primarily historical).

This is but one way of doing the break out; there are numerous others. And some candidates/catechumens seem to appreciate it more than others.

 

[Marvin_parv]

I beg to differ with Pianistclare – There WAS a time, when Christians were persecuted, that the catechumen were not allowed to stay for the entire Mass. In those times preparation for baptism could take two years – and they were dismissed to discuss the readings they heard.

As for “breaking open the Word” – this is meant to teach you to look at the many different levels of the Scripture, to bring you closer to the Mystery.

Hello Magdalen

To bring you closer to the mystery, yes, yes.

I think many Catholics would do well too understand the need to find those levels from the bible and research night and day.