When should a non-Catholic leave Mass?

[Advenam]

I am interested in joining the Catholic Church, but before I enter RCIA, I thought it would be a good idea to attend Mass before I start the process. I remember hearing somewhere that catechumens are to politely leave sometime after the homily and before the Eucharist. I don’t know for sure if this is true, but if it is, at what exact moment should I leave? Is there a special place I should go, or should I just leave for home? If not, should I remain seated until the Mass has ended? I know I am not a catechumen at this point, but I am curious as to what is the general rule for non-Catholics and soon-to-be-Catholics attending Mass.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Non-Catholics and non-Christians are welcome to attend Mass in its entirety. During RCIA, some parishes have re-instituted an ancient custom of excusing catechumens at Sunday Mass after the Liturgy of the Word, but if your parish does so you’ll be given appropriate instructions on what to do by the RCIA director. At all other Masses you attend during the RCIA process, when you are not formally excused then you are free to stay. The only requirement would be that non-Catholics and non-Christians in the RCIA program may not receive Communion. (Adult Catholics in RCIA who are preparing for confirmation, and who have already received First Communion and are otherwise in a state of grace, may receive Communion.)

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