Rite of Welcome--Kind of long

[Frosty_Gurl]

Hi! I have a question about the questions that are asked at the Rite of Welcome.

(A brief history of my status in the Church)
I have completed all of the sacraments of initiation when I was around 9 (baptism, confession, and Eucharist) except for confirmation. I left the church (with my family) shortly after the three sacraments were completed and have since returned to the Church about two months ago. Father S suggested that I should go through RCIA to be confirmed.

I am having the Rite of Welcome this Sunday with the rest of the catechumens–as I understand it, I am now considered a candidate because I have already been baptized in the Catholic Church and, as stated above, have gone through confession (I now attend every other week–it keeps me happier and more accountable–if that makes sense ) and have received my first communion (and am told that I am under NO obligation to quit receiving even though I am in RCIA–I attend daily Mass as able and receive communion at every Mass --I feel like a better person when I do).

• Just a Side note: Although I am told that I can and should continue to partake in all of the sacraments–being in RCIA, I kind of feel like I shouldn’t be doing it. Actually, let me rephrase that, I am the type of person that wants to belong and that by now being considered a candidate, How will other people perceive me. Will they think I am committing a sin by taking the Holy Eucharist even though I am in communion with the church to do so??? Does that make sense??? I am the only candidate in my ‘class’ and I think that that is why I feel ‘different’ then everyone else Also, I did discuss these concerns with my RCIA leader and she stated that as long as I know that what I am doing is right, if there are other people in the Church who question what I am doing then they will come and visit with her about, she will tell them that I am able to recieve as I am a Catholic–just an unconfirmed one. I am beginning to think that I am making a big deal out of nothing. If fact, sometimes I wonder if I go ‘looking‘ for something to bother me?? Now I am rambling. *

Anyway, to make a long story short, (I have only had about 15 posts so far, and every time that I post, I have the intention of only typing 1-2 sentences, but some how I end up writing a novel–so please bare with me ) I have 3 questions that I am going to be asked at the Rite of Welcome; they are:

1. What do you ask of God today?
2. What do you ask of us, your church family?
3. Do you promise to follow the way of the cross? (obviously this one is yes)

I think that I know what I want to say, it is just the matter of putting it into words.
Did anyone have the same or similar questions??? How did you answer them???
Again, sorry so long. I will try better next time!!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hi! I have a question about the questions that are asked at the Rite of Welcome.

(A brief history of my status in the Church)
I have completed all of the sacraments of initiation when I was around 9 (baptism, confession, and Eucharist) except for confirmation. I left the church (with my family) shortly after the three sacraments were completed and have since returned to the Church about two months ago. Father S suggested that I should go through RCIA to be confirmed.

I am having the Rite of Welcome this Sunday with the rest of the catechumens–as I understand it, I am now considered a candidate because I have already been baptized in the Catholic Church and, as stated above, have gone through confession (I now attend every other week–it keeps me happier and more accountable–if that makes sense ) and have received my first communion (and am told that I am under NO obligation to quit receiving even though I am in RCIA–I attend daily Mass as able and receive communion at every Mass --I feel like a better person when I do).

*Just a Side note: Although I am told that I can and should continue to partake in all of the sacraments–being in RCIA, I kind of feel like I shouldn’t be doing it. Actually, let me rephrase that, I am the type of person that wants to belong and that by now being considered a candidate, How will other people perceive me. Will they think I am committing a sin by taking the Holy Eucharist even though I am in communion with the church to do so??? Does that make sense??? I am the only candidate in my ‘class’ and I think that that is why I feel ‘different’ then everyone else Also, I did discuss these concerns with my RCIA leader and she stated that as long as I know that what I am doing is right, if there are other people in the Church who question what I am doing then they will come and visit with her about, she will tell them that I am able to recieve as I am a Catholic–just an unconfirmed one. I am beginning to think that I am making a big deal out of nothing. If fact, sometimes I wonder if I go ‘looking‘ for something to bother me?? Now I am rambling. *

Anyway, to make a long story short, (I have only had about 15 posts so far, and every time that I post, I have the intention of only typing 1-2 sentences, but some how I end up writing a novel–so please bare with me ) I have 3 questions that I am going to be asked at the Rite of Welcome; they are:

1. What do you ask of God today?
2. What do you ask of us, your church family?
3. Do you promise to follow the way of the cross? (obviously this one is yes)

I think that I know what I want to say, it is just the matter of putting it into words.
Did anyone have the same or similar questions??? How did you answer them???
Again, sorry so long. I will try better next time!!

You are getting very confused. You should not be participating in ANY Rite, you are neither a Catechumen (not Baptized) or a Candidate for full communion (A Baptized non-Catholic seeking union with the Catholic Church)!

You are a CATHOLIC seeking to complete you Sacrraments of Initiation with Confirmation. There is nothing wrong with you attending the catechetical sessions for RCIA if there is no other process in your parish for Adult Sacramental preparation. However technically you are not “IN” RCIA and should not be participating in any of the liturgical Rites.

 

[Frosty_Gurl]

You are getting very confused. You should not be participating in ANY Rite, you are neither a Catechumen (not Baptized) or a Candidate for full communion (A Baptized non-Catholic seeking union with the Catholic Church)!

You are a CATHOLIC seeking to complete you Sacrraments of Initiation with Confirmation. There is nothing wrong with you attending the catechetical sessions for RCIA if there is no other process in your parish for Adult Sacramental preparation. However technically you are not “IN” RCIA and should not be participating in any of the liturgical Rites.

Ok I guess I am confused… I went to a meeting tonight with the RCIA leader and was asked myself and the other catechist what a candidate was. I stated it was someone who was baptized, but in another religion other the Catholic. She state that it applied also to Catholics and that I was considered a Candidate. Is this not right?? I am supposed to have the Rite of Welcome on Sunday??? Am I not supposed to participate???

 

[erinelf88]

When we did ours, they told us what the responses were. For me(I was the only candidate at this particular rite- the others attended the rite at the other parish church, but I couldn’t make it) the responses were all along the lines of “to be received into full communion with the church of Rome,” and “to grow in a fuller understanding of my faith.” They gave us little slips of paper that had the lines we were supposed to say on them before mass.

Granted, I question much of my RCIA experience anyway, based on what I’ve learned about the process here. So my experience probably isn’t the best to base it on.

 

[Joannm]

Ok I guess I am confused… I went to a meeting tonight with the RCIA leader and was asked myself and the other catechist what a candidate was. I stated it was someone who was baptized, but in another religion other the Catholic. She state that it applied also to Catholics and that I was considered a Candidate. Is this not right?? I am supposed to have the Rite of Welcome on Sunday??? Am I not supposed to participate???

No, you are not supposed to participate…that rite is for those who are not Catholic. If you were an uncatechized Catholic who has not received any sacraments then perhaps then you would be considered an uncatechized Catholic preparing to complete your initiation. As it is, you are a practicing Catholic who just needs Confirmation. In my parish we have a 10 week coure during Lent and Easter for those in your situation and you would receive Confirmation on Pentecost (our bishop gives all priests the faculty to do so on Pentecost only). We only put uncatechised Catholics (those who have not received communion, confession, confirmation and have never been to relitious ed) in with RCIA but never make them go through the rites or dismiss them from Mass as they have the obligation to attend the entire Mass.

 

[Frosty_Gurl]

No, you are not supposed to participate…that rite is for those who are not Catholic. If you were an uncatechized Catholic who has not received any sacraments then perhaps then you would be considered an uncatechized Catholic preparing to complete your initiation. As it is, you are a practicing Catholic who just needs Confirmation. In my parish we have a 10 week coure during Lent and Easter for those in your situation and you would receive Confirmation on Pentecost (our bishop gives all priests the faculty to do so on Pentecost only). We only put uncatechised Catholics (those who have not received communion, confession, confirmation and have never been to relitious ed) in with RCIA but never make them go through the rites or dismiss them from Mass as they have the obligation to attend the entire Mass.

Maybe I should have clarified. From what I understand, this maybe one of the only Rites I that am supposed to ‘participate’ in. Kind of a ‘formal’ introduction into the Church community. I kind of feel ‘out of place’ about participating in the Rite on Sunday, but that is what my RCIA leader thinks that I should be doing. I also have the opportunity to be sent forth with the other ‘student’ or I can return to my seat and receive the Eucharist. This will be the only time that I would have to be sent forth (should I choose to). And as for the other Rites, from what I understand, I will not be able to ‘participate’ in or rather it will be a different ‘ceremony’ because I am an already a practicing Catholic. The main reason my RCIA leader wants me to attend RCIA is because, even though I am a Catholic and a practicing one, I am still very new to my faith.

Thanks and God Bless

 

[Texas_Roofer]

Hi! I have a question …

Tough these answers are technically correct, I would not sweat this issue. Many parishes use RCIA as a catch all for folks who have not completed their path by the desired methods. Often these parishes lack resources and thus do their best to operate a program. This is endlessly debated on these forums. The real issue is what alternatives do you have? Since many parishes operate on minimal resources this simple plan is common. Often the group goes through the entire process together whether they need it or not. My understanding is as long as your Bishop allows this it is okay. If your Bishop were to disallow the group plan then the Bishop would develop and fund proper alternatives. BTW the terms are licit (by the rules) and valid (achieved the intended result). I know of no reason to oppose the licit or valid aspects of this plan.

… I have 3 questions that I am going to be asked at the Rite of Welcome; they are:

1. What do you ask of God today?

salvation (or alternative)

1. What do you ask of us, your church family?

This seems a bit unusually to me but “guidance” (or alternative)

1. Do you promise to follow the way of the cross? (obviously this one is yes)

…:

hope that helps

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Maybe I should have clarified. From what I understand, this maybe one of the only Rites I that am supposed to ‘participate’ in. Kind of a ‘formal’ introduction into the Church community. I kind of feel ‘out of place’ about participating in the Rite on Sunday, but that is what my RCIA leader thinks that I should be doing. I also have the opportunity to be sent forth with the other ‘student’ or I can return to my seat and receive the Eucharist. This will be the only time that I would have to be sent forth (should I choose to). And as for the other Rites, from what I understand, I will not be able to ‘participate’ in or rather it will be a different ‘ceremony’ because I am an already a practicing Catholic. The main reason my RCIA leader wants me to attend RCIA is because, even though I am a Catholic and a practicing one, I am still very new to my faith.

Thanks and God Bless

You should return to your pew and remain for the rest of the Mass, you as a Catholic have an obligation for Sunday Mass.

You should not participate in the Rite of Welcome. They can call you up after the other Rites are finished and intorduce you as an adult Catholic who is preparing for Confirmation with the RCIA group.

 

[Frosty_Gurl]

Thank you everyone for all of your help. It is greatly appreciated. God Bless

 

[quiet52]

The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates is for RCIA candidates only. You are a Confirmation candidate.

From the Study Edition of the RCIA book, section 411:

This optional rkite welcomes baptized but previously uncatechized adults who are seeking to complete their Christian initiation through the sacramenst of confirmation and eucharist or to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

Note that this refers to those Catholics and non-Catholics preparing to receive two of the three sacraments of initiation. You will be receiving one sacrament – Confirmation. It may be very appropriate for you to prepare with the RCIA participants, but you may not participate in the rites.

As for your receiving the Eucharist, if you have gone to Confession and are in a state of grace, feel free to receive the Eucharist during Mass.

 

[Texas_Roofer]

The Rite of Welcoming the Candidates is for RCIA candidates only. You are a Confirmation candidate.

From the Study Edition of the RCIA book, section 411:

This optional rkite welcomes baptized but previously uncatechized adults who are seeking to complete their Christian initiation through the sacramenst of confirmation and eucharist or to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church

Are you suggesting one is better in communion with the church before they receive the sacrament of confirmation?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Are you suggesting one is better in communion with the church before they receive the sacrament of confirmation?

A Baptized practicing Catholic (attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion and Reconciliation and has access to Anointing of the Sick and Marriage) who has not been Confirmed is in closer communion with the Catholic Church, then a Baptized non-Catholic seeking union with the Catholic Church.

 

[quiet52]

Are you suggesting one is better in communion with the church before they receive the sacrament of confirmation?

Baptized non-Catholics who are preparing to become Catholic are not in communion with the church. Before being confirmed, they are “received into the church” and thus become Catholics.

Baptized Catholics who are preparing for Confirmation and the Eucharist would not be received into the Church, obviously. If they’re in a state of grace, they are in communion with the Church.

 

[Texas_Roofer]

Baptized non-Catholics who are preparing to become Catholic are not in communion with the church. Before being confirmed, they are “received into the church” and thus become Catholics.

Baptized Catholics who are preparing for Confirmation and the Eucharist would not be received into the Church, obviously. If they’re in a state of grace, they are in communion with the Church.

From the Study Edition of the RCIA book, section 411:This optional rite welcomes baptized but previously uncatechized adults who are seeking to complete their Christian initiation through the sacramenst of confirmation and eucharist or to be received into the** full** communion of the Catholic Church.

So again there is no need for these people to proceed as they are in FULL communion or is there a higher level you are not telling us about?