However catechumens are not obligated, they are not yet Catholic or even Christian. It is part of the process. That is why pre-Vat II the Liturgy of the Eucharist was called the Mass of the Faithful since only the baptized should be present for it. And we are not just kicking them out. They are dismissed to further reflect on the Scriptures. They are being fed on the Word. After baptism they will be also fed on the Eucharist.
Here is where all the confusion comes into play with RCIA. Do they stay or do they leave? From what I heave read and studied it is good practice to have candidates remain,since by virtue of baptism,they are already part of Christ body.
This is true but we have had situations in the past where some of our candidates wanted to leave because they really didn’t have any religious education at all and felt in the same boat as our catechumens. So we give them the option. Technically they should stay though. We encourage them to stay but they get a lot out of breaking open the Word.
Indeed. I agree with you and I am very flexible. Technically it depends on how much or how little catechesis a candidate received in his or her former faith. The book I read was by an experienced RCIA Director and stated the RCIA ritual book does not specifically say one way or another,so it is up to the parish community or better the RCIA Director.
I have always thought that when dismissals are practiced that catecumen should be called and candidates invited to join them. The forced “banishment” of our baptized brothers and sisters is what I objected to. One RCIA director said it was inappropriate for them to stay because they hadn’t received all the sacraments of initiation. I asked him why we didn’t dismiss unconfirmed children and he gave me a blank look. Kinda told me that understanding of the sacrament of baptism might have been lost on him.
I disagree with the RCIA Director. They might not have received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation,but they certainly have been baptized. One reason why I was against dismissing even candidates is because one does not want to give them the impression that their baptism isn’t really valid,since it was not a Catholic baptism. By virtue of baptism,they all belong to the Body of Christ.
Sorry,catechumens historically have always been dismissed. The ancient church didn’t even want them watching the fully initiated receive Holy Communion. The early church wanted to be sure the catechumens were truly discerning their faith.
Catholics are required to attend. RCIA candidats are not fully Catholic…yet. It’s not a matter of “kicking them out”, it’s a matter of their formation as Catholics.
Right, my point as well. They aren’t really missing out on anything.
LOL…why write here?? Just ask your /PastorPriest or one of the people in the RCIA team. Do your ministers make it hard for you to communicate with them?
KICKED OUT ??? is that the term you use? Your Kidding right ??? or is it some kind of inconvenience for you or others ?
Does no one know there is more than ONE MASS on SUNDAY and if you are a Candidate especially if you already received Holy Eucharist…you must attend a full Mass to live a Catholic life…HOWEVER if at the same time some one is a candidate and was only baptized and still UN-catechized dismissal is proper and still should attend another full service of the word and Liturgy of the Eucharist(Go up and receive a blessing)if that be their desire. I cannot believe how many people are just too busy to to two masses(one the dismissal mass) yet want to be Catholic so bad.
Hi Tony and welcome to CAF. Just so you know, you’re responding to a thread that’s over two years old. I hope that by now the people have had all their questions answered.
