RCIA and the Mass- is it explained?

[Elzee]

Our RCIA candidates/catechumens are not taught about the Mass as part of their ‘formation’. When a candidate asked if they would learn about the Mass a couple weeks ago, the Director said ‘no’.

Last night was the first time many of our candidates/catechumens had sat through an entire Mass. A couple came up to me afterwards asking all kinds of questions which was good, but I find it hard to believe this should not be part of RICA? Is this the norm?

One candidate asked me at what point did the bread and wine become Jesus? All I could think of was how sad it was these people have never been taught the very basics of the most important Prayer of the Church. When I explained to them the connection between us singing ‘Hosanna’ right before the consecration to Jesus being welcomed by these words as he entered Jerusalem (calling Palm Sunday back to their attention), it was amazing to see their eyes open and say 'Oh, wow! That’s really powerful now that I know that!".

Is the Mass typically explained in most RCIA programs? If not, why not?

 

[catholicmessage]

Is the Mass typically explained in most RCIA programs? If not, why not?

It should be, but many times it is not. The reason? That’s an easy one: The people in charge of the RCIA program many times do not know the meaning of the mass themselves.

 

[MelanieAnne]

In our RCIA program, as part of the Inquiry process, they went through the Mass step by step. It was detailed enough to take two sessions to complete. It was not enough to explain every single thing in minute detail, but it was enough to make the Inquirers more comfortable with what they were doing/seeing at Mass. Sr. Maura, the director of our RCIA program, also explains and refers to the “real presence” frequently. And no question is ever turned aside. I guess that’s lucky for the Inquirers at our parish.

Melanie

 

[Brian_C]

In my parish’s program, the mass is discussed and mass attendance is encouraged. However, the explanatory mass is done after Easter Vigil.

 

[Rawb]

It’s been explained, we’ve recieved diagrams, etiquette sheets, and have been told about the real presence whenever the Eucharist is mentioned (which is often). We were told that Heaven opens up and the angels and saints join with us as we sing and praise.

At which exact moment the bread and wine become Jesus, I still couldn’t say. We’re very comfortable with the mass though. We could tell you when the Liturgy of the Word ends and the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins, what the epiclasis is (even if I can’t spell it) and the role of the Deacon and the Priest. So I’d say our RCIA does a good job.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Our RCIA candidates/catechumens are not taught about the Mass as part of their ‘formation’. When a candidate asked if they would learn about the Mass a couple weeks ago, the Director said ‘no’.

Last night was the first time many of our candidates/catechumens had sat through an entire Mass. A couple came up to me afterwards asking all kinds of questions which was good, but I find it hard to believe this should not be part of RICA? Is this the norm?

One candidate asked me at what point did the bread and wine become Jesus? All I could think of was how sad it was these people have never been taught the very basics of the most important Prayer of the Church. When I explained to them the connection between us singing ‘Hosanna’ right before the consecration to Jesus being welcomed by these words as he entered Jerusalem (calling Palm Sunday back to their attention), it was amazing to see their eyes open and say 'Oh, wow! That’s really powerful now that I know that!".

Is the Mass typically explained in most RCIA programs? If not, why not?

Of course the Mas should be the central part of RCIA Catechesis, because it is the RITE that surrounds the Eucharist, the center and summit of Catholic Life.

By the way Catechumens should have been dismissed as usual from the Mass, before the liturgy of the Eucharist.

 

[puzzleannie]

there is an introduction to the Mass in the inquiry period, it is covered again in the catechumenate with the sacrament of Eucharist, and sacrament of Holy Orders. There is a more in depth teaching after EAster during the mystagogy period, which here is a 3-part presentation Walk Through the Mass, using video, teaching, parts of the Mass, etc. That is when this teaching should properly by done, because that is the meaning of mystagogy, study of the mysteries. Recall that until now, if you have been dismissed, you have not participated in a full Mass.