Should Catechumens Depart?

[Milliardo]

In the Orthodox Church there’s a part in their Liturgy that’s for the faithful only, so at that point catechumens are asked to leave (is this still enforced in all Orthodox Churches, btw?). In the early Church, the catechumens were outside the church, not allowed to enter yet as they’re not part of the worshipping community. Should the Church enforce the same for catechumens and non-Catholics who go to Mass? What do you think?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Milliardo:

In the Orthodox Church there’s a part in their Liturgy that’s for the faithful only, so at that point catechumens are asked to leave (is this still enforced in all Orthodox Churches, btw?). In the early Church, the catechumens were outside the church, not allowed to enter yet as they’re not part of the worshipping community. Should the Church enforce the same for catechumens and non-Catholics who go to Mass? What do you think?

Should the Church enforce the same for catechumens and non-Catholics who go to Mass?

Well there is a BIG difference between the two. Yes in the Roman Rite Catechumens are dismissed before the Liturgy of the Eucharist. However all persons validly Baptized have a right to remain for the Liturgy of the Eucharist even though they may not yet participate in the reception of Holy Communion. They are by virtue of their Baptism members of the Mystical Body of Christ.

 

[pnewton]

Milliardo:

Should the Church enforce the same for catechumens and non-Catholics who go to Mass? What do you think?

I think it works well to have the catechumens depart. We do this at my parish only after the RCIA class is officially started and prior to Holy Week. It is a good time to have the Church get used to the new faces and for the priest to give them a blessing. But it is not like they can not stay through a Mass at another time, or prior to the start of RCIA. After all, the decision to join the Church for most people requires learning what the church is about. I can not imagine making such a life-changing decision without having sat through the Mass many times first.