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NanaR
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| Joined: | Sat Jun 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Kentucky USA |
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| First Name: | Ruth | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Born JW, born-again Catholic (Tiber Swim Team 2008) |
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Posted: Fri Jun 8th, 2007 12:20 pm |
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Friends,
I'm planning to start RCIA in August.
I was talking to my friend Liz about it (she was baptized at Easter Vigil 2006). She reminded me that, at the start, the RCIA participants do not attend Sunday Mass at all. They meet in the basement at 9 and their discussion runs usually until noon or so, hence filling the time of both Sunday masses (9 am and 11:15 am).
Our parish doesn't have a Sunday evening service.
Of course, I could attend the Saturday evening mass, but since my husband (who is not particularly happy about my conversion and asks that I "leave him out of it) is off on Saturday and works a double shift on Sunday, I hate to take one of "his" evenings on a regular basis. I know that there will be events that I must attend on Saturday evenings (most notably my own baptism :-), but I want to save my battles for the really critical issues.
I have really come to enjoy Sunday mass. I love everything from the
smell of the incense to the sound of the music. I haven't missed a
Sunday mass since I started going at the beginning of this year.
Now it looks like I will have a period of time that I CAN'T go. I was
prepared for the "leaving in the middle" routine (the dismissal after the Liturgy of the Word), but I hate to think about not going to Sunday Mass at all.
Do your parishes have RCIA on Sunday?
My sponsor doesn't seem to understand why it is important to me to
attend the Sunday Mass. I guess she thinks that since I'm not yet
Catholic it would not have much meaning to me. But I find it VERY
meaningful; it frequently moves me to tears. It certainly gives me the
strength to get through the week. And it has become a habit -- a good
habit, I think.
I haven't attended the daily masses, as I considered them to be more
for the faithful who partake of the Eucharist daily. I could attend a Wednesday evening mass, but they don't include everything a Sunday mass does.
I really don't want to give up Sunday mass, but it looks like I don't
have a choice.
How could this be good for me (or any of the other new folks, for that
matter)?
I should also mention that there is only one Catholic Church in my town. There are a couple across the river in Ohio, but as they don't have working web pages, I am not sure about the time of services. I intend to find out more about those Churches as well.
I love my parish and they have a very active RCIA program. I expect the timing is set to accommodate the folks who teach the class. We have two priests, and they individually participate in some selected sections. But lay folk (including a couple of permanent deacons and some older ladies) handle the majority of the program.
Comments please. I don't want to be labeled a trouble maker before
I've even started.
Ruth
____________________
When you bend down to help someone up, that is the best exercise for your heart. -- Fr. Noe, 2007
http://nanaruthann.blogspot.com
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CajunRick
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| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Fri Jun 8th, 2007 01:08 pm |
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NanaR wrote: They meet in the basement at 9 and their discussion runs usually until noon or so, hence filling the time of both Sunday masses (9 am and 11:15 am).
This is highly unusual. It is more common for dismissal to take place after the Liturgy of the Word is completed. If I were you, I would question the parish RCIA team about it. Tell them you truly want to attend mass so you can feel part of the overall community. Even though you are not a validly baptized Christian at this point, it is important that we worship in word and action as a community.
They will have to read the readings as part of the class. Why not let you hear them read in church, along with Father's homily as the beginning of your catechesis.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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japhy
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| Joined: | Thu Apr 26th, 2007 |
| Location: | Princeton, New Jersey USA |
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| First Name: | Jeff / japhy | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | (Roman) Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Jun 8th, 2007 02:16 pm |
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I agree with Rick, that total exclusion from the Mass seems bizarre. At my parish, the RCIA team and candidates attend the 8:45 AM Mass. After the Liturgy of the Word, the candidates are dismissed to go into one of the classrooms downstairs, along with one or two members of the team, for a teaching about the Word for that day. After Mass ends, the rest of the team joins them for a session on a particular topic (the Eucharist, Marian Devotion, Prophets and Prophecy, Baptism, etc.).
____________________
[Mary said,] "Do whatever he tells you." - John 2:5
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NanaR
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| Joined: | Sat Jun 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 141 |
| First Name: | Ruth | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Born JW, born-again Catholic (Tiber Swim Team 2008) |
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Posted: Fri Jun 8th, 2007 03:07 pm |
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Thanks for your quick replies :-)
Apparently what happens here is that, from the beginning of the RCIA class in August until the Rite of Acceptance, the "Inquirers" or unbaptized people who want to learn about the Church follow the schedule I have listed above. Some of the "inquirers" would not be comfortable going to mass, so perhaps that is the reason for the schedule.
The entire group goes through the Rite of Acceptance together when they are deemed ready. So apparently I must wait on the group.
I'm just impatient to be Catholic!
Maybe the Lord wants me to learn patience :-)
Ruth
____________________
When you bend down to help someone up, that is the best exercise for your heart. -- Fr. Noe, 2007
http://nanaruthann.blogspot.com
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Polycarp
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| Joined: | Thu Jun 7th, 2007 |
| Location: | Tennessee USA |
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| First Name: | Andy | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Methodist, Southern Baptist (pastor), Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Jun 8th, 2007 03:26 pm |
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| That might be alright. The Rite of Acceptance will come very quickly. Until that time, perhaps you can attend the vigil Mass on Saturday. Masstimes.org can help you find the times of those other parishes, or at least give you a telephone number to call. I've found the listings to be regularly updated. You might even inquire about thier RCIA programs to see if their schedule suits you better. Last edited on Fri Jun 8th, 2007 03:33 pm by Polycarp
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Credo Catholic
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| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
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| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Jun 9th, 2007 12:25 am |
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| Our RCIA was held right after Adoration on Wed. evening. It got more people to Adoration, and maybe more regular parishioners to visit RCIA. If I couldn't have attended mass on Sundays during that time, it would have been a whole different experience. Even though I couldn't receive the Eucharist, I did get the blessing, and learned so much there. Hearing about the Kyrie, and hearing the Kyrie, are two different things!
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NanaR
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| First Name: | Ruth | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Born JW, born-again Catholic (Tiber Swim Team 2008) |
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Posted: Fri Jun 15th, 2007 10:20 am |
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As a followup to my question:
I found another Mass which I can attend on Sunday. It is held at a Mission Church served by our priests. The Mass is at 7:30 am on Sunday morning, so I can attend it and still arrive at our parish in time for RCIA at 9:00 am (barely).
This Mission Church is about 45 minutes from my home but about 25 minutes from the parish Church (I timed that in traffic, it might be better early on a Sunday morning). There are usually, I have been told, only about 8 or 9 people in attendance.
I feel settled in my heart about this now. I continue to believe that it would be better for the Inquirers if the classes were held outside of the time frame of the Masses. I am praying about this, and will trust that the Holy Spirit will give the Parish direction (since it seems inappropriate for that to come from someone like me who is so new to all this).
Thank you all for contributing your thoughts and insights to this thread.
Ruth
____________________
When you bend down to help someone up, that is the best exercise for your heart. -- Fr. Noe, 2007
http://nanaruthann.blogspot.com
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NanaR
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Posted: Sun Aug 26th, 2007 04:50 pm |
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Just wanted to post an update on this topic.
Our first RCIA class -- the beginning of the Inquiry portion -- was this morning at 9:00 am. My husband and I are sharing one vehicle, so I took him to work and then went to the 7:30 am Mass at the Mission church I referred to above.
Our Pastor, Father Noe, celebrated the Mass. I missed the incense and the music (no organ in the church), but the little church building was very beautiful nonetheless and I enjoyed the Mass. The small congregation (made up of 4 or 5 older couples) was gabbing away when I arrived at 7:25.
The Mass was over at 8:15 and I got to talk to the one person I knew in the congregation (besides Father). I made it back to Holy Family in plenty of time for the start of class.
Turns out it is a blessing that Fred and I have to share the car. I don't know that I would have gotten myself up and down the road in time for that early Mass if I hadn't had to take him to work first. And I'm so glad that I went.
I enjoyed RCIA too :-), and I wasn't worrying about missing Mass.
Thanks for listening!
Ruth
____________________
When you bend down to help someone up, that is the best exercise for your heart. -- Fr. Noe, 2007
http://nanaruthann.blogspot.com
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BettyBoopToo
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| Location: | Camas/Washougal, Washington USA |
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| First Name: | Betty | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Fist Baptist/Calvary Babtist/Secular Confusion/ Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Aug 26th, 2007 09:46 pm |
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Ruth
Thanks be to God that all of this stuff worked out for you.
RCIA is such a wonderful time in our conversions. I pray you enjoy yours as much as I did. sounds like you very ready for it!
When we travel to the coast, I attend a parish mission. It's such a wonderful small place to have mass. the entire parish body come on a bus from and elderly housing facility. they are the dearst people and made me feel so welcome to share mass with them. Of course an outsider such as my self, sticks out like crazy. they all came up to me as I came early and introduced themselves before mass. It's a very enjoyable time for me.
Betty
____________________
Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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Kayla
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Posted: Tue Aug 28th, 2007 10:50 am |
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I'm glad you were able to find a time to go to Mass.
When I went through RCIA, even the dismissals killed me. I hated having to leave after the Liturgy of the Word- I wanted to be Catholic because I believe Jesus is truly present, so why in the world couldn't I stay to see Him? Even approaching for a blessing, just to be so close to Him, was the world to me.
I found, however, that rather than weaken my desire for the Eucharist, the dismissals strengthened it. I was able to take those last few months to really and truly prepare for the night that I would finally be receiving our Lord.
____________________
I believe, Lord, help my unbelief.
Jesus, I trust in You!
There's not a lot of job security for us after death. I suppose that's one advantage of being a philosopher. - Peter Kreeft
http://kayla23mount.blogspot.com/
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Credo Catholic
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Posted: Tue Aug 28th, 2007 02:11 pm |
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| I keep hearing about how RCIA people are dismissed from mass after the Liturgy of the Word. I've never seen this happen. How do they do it, make a general announcement for those people to leave? How about visitors?
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NanaR
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Posted: Tue Aug 28th, 2007 02:26 pm |
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Marsha,
In our parish, I have only actually heard the dismissal pronounced once.
Prior to the Rite of Acceptance, there is no dismissal. The Inquirers are also under no obligation to attend Mass.
From the Rite of Acceptance onward (in my Parish at the Sunday morning Mass), the Catechumens attend the Liturgy of the Word (sitting all together in a special section). They leave prior to the Liturgy of the Eucharist (after the homily and before the Profession of Faith), whether there is an announcement or not. If the Catechumens or anyone else attends a different Mass other than the one specified for the Catechumens to attend (at my Parish), they do not have to leave after the Liturgy of the Word.
Once I get through the Inquirer part, I will attend with the other Catechumens and be dismissed with them. But I did not want to miss Mass entirely (as the Inquirers are on Sunday morning), so I attended a 7:30 am Mass and then went to the 9 am RCIA class.
Ruth
____________________
When you bend down to help someone up, that is the best exercise for your heart. -- Fr. Noe, 2007
http://nanaruthann.blogspot.com
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CajunRick
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Posted: Tue Aug 28th, 2007 04:08 pm |
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Credo Catholic wrote: I keep hearing about how RCIA people are dismissed from mass after the Liturgy of the Word. I've never seen this happen. How do they do it, make a general announcement for those people to leave? How about visitors?
The priest should call catechumens and catechists forward and send them out with a blessing to continue their studies into the day's scripture readings. Catechists have to attend another mass to fulfill their obligation and to receive Eucharist. Sponsors should remain at mass and join the group after mass is over, but they may also leave with the group if they are willing to attend another mass as well.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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BettyBoopToo
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Posted: Wed Aug 29th, 2007 12:20 am |
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Credo Catholic wrote: I keep hearing about how RCIA people are dismissed from mass after the Liturgy of the Word. I've never seen this happen. How do they do it, make a general announcement for those people to leave? How about visitors?
Marsha
At our parish, the dismissal mass it normally the 9:30 AM mass on Sunday. Father calls the catechumens forward for a blessing and then asked the entire parish community to join him in a prayer for all of us. althought I was not exactly thrilled about leaving, the prayers from everyone were very helpful and it made me feel a kind of exceptance by everyone else and now that it's not me going up, I very much enjoy the opportunity to pray for all of the group as they are on their journeys.
Those who are dismissed are the ones already signed up for RCIA. It does not pertain to the visitors. Only the RCIA members.
We would go to the Upper Room (as its called at our parish) and would have different people in the church go over a different topic and over the different readings that we had at mass that day. There was a handout and we all went through it. The folks that ran our dismissals were different each week and they were not normally those who were already on the RCIA team. Just knowledgeable Catholics of the parish. I'm not sure if that's still the way and Kayla would be better to tell you how it's done right now.
Maybe if you've never seen the dismissal, you don't attend the mass that they do it at? Did you not have dismissal's when you went through RCIA or did you get some special private instruction? As I don't know how that works out.
Betty
____________________
Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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Credo Catholic
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Posted: Wed Aug 29th, 2007 01:03 am |
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| I seem to remember mention that it used to be done, but not anymore. The 11:00 am mass is my usual time, but if it's done at any time at all, I'm sure it would have been part of our RCIA instruction. I don't think our church does this at all. And I'm glad it doesn't. Our RCIA was done on Wednesday evening, right after adoration. Sunday morning was left open for us to attend mass whenever convenient for us, and we were blessed with being able to observe it all, and participate except for receiving Holy Communion. Some of us did go down for the blessing. Being able to observe the Liturgy of the Eucharist, hearing all the prayers, singing the Sanctus, moving my mouth but not knowing the words half the time!, the Agnus Dei, the Great Amen, the bells ringing at the consecration, I could go on and on. All of it kept me encouraged to attend RCIA week after week even when I felt like I knew about as much as the speaker, because I had been soaking it up like a sponge for the past six months. If our church had instructed us to leave after the homily I would have because I would have done whatever they said. But I'm thankful we didn't have to.
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Kayla
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Posted: Wed Aug 29th, 2007 07:21 am |
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BettyBoopToo wrote: Credo Catholic wrote: I keep hearing about how RCIA people are dismissed from mass after the Liturgy of the Word. I've never seen this happen. How do they do it, make a general announcement for those people to leave? How about visitors?
Marsha
At our parish, the dismissal mass it normally the 9:30 AM mass on Sunday. Father calls the catechumens forward for a blessing and then asked the entire parish community to join him in a prayer for all of us. althought I was not exactly thrilled about leaving, the prayers from everyone were very helpful and it made me feel a kind of exceptance by everyone else and now that it's not me going up, I very much enjoy the opportunity to pray for all of the group as they are on their journeys.
Those who are dismissed are the ones already signed up for RCIA. It does not pertain to the visitors. Only the RCIA members.
We would go to the Upper Room (as its called at our parish) and would have different people in the church go over a different topic and over the different readings that we had at mass that day. There was a handout and we all went through it. The folks that ran our dismissals were different each week and they were not normally those who were already on the RCIA team. Just knowledgeable Catholics of the parish. I'm not sure if that's still the way and Kayla would be better to tell you how it's done right now.
Maybe if you've never seen the dismissal, you don't attend the mass that they do it at? Did you not have dismissal's when you went through RCIA or did you get some special private instruction? As I don't know how that works out.
Betty
Yes, it's still done very similarly. We were called up to the front for a blessing by Father and prayers of the community. Then we would leave for the Fireside room (all the way across the entire parking lot, most of the time in the rain! ((yes I'm still slightly bitter about that part)) lol) with one person who usually ran our meeting.
We'd have a little hand-out with an opening prayer, a reflection the furthered both Father's homily and the readings, and then there were discussion questions to facilitate discussion. We would usually end with a 'new' prayer (a classical Catholic prayer introduced to us) and also with goals for the following week.
____________________
I believe, Lord, help my unbelief.
Jesus, I trust in You!
There's not a lot of job security for us after death. I suppose that's one advantage of being a philosopher. - Peter Kreeft
http://kayla23mount.blogspot.com/
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BettyBoopToo
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Posted: Thu Aug 30th, 2007 03:40 am |
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Kayla wrote:
Yes, it's still done very similarly. We were called up to the front for a blessing by Father and prayers of the community. Then we would leave for the Fireside room (all the way across the entire parking lot, most of the time in the rain! ((yes I'm still slightly bitter about that part)) lol) with one person who usually ran our meeting.
We'd have a little hand-out with an opening prayer, a reflection the furthered both Father's homily and the readings, and then there were discussion questions to facilitate discussion. We would usually end with a 'new' prayer (a classical Catholic prayer introduced to us) and also with goals for the following week.
It sounds pretty similar, as I mentioned before, I was in fathers very first RCIA class right after he was assigned to our parish. so I always thought that they would probably do some changes in the process, but it's pretty much the same.
"Except for having to run clear over to the Fireside room in the Rain" LOLOLOL I would have been a little mifted too. The Upper Room right out side the church door was a nice short walk, and covered too. Your group and the groups past mine all seemed to be much bigger, so that's probably why they used the bigger room.
Funny girl!
Betty
____________________
Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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Daffodil
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Posted: Thu Aug 30th, 2007 11:06 am |
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Credo Catholic wrote: I seem to remember mention that it used to be done, but not anymore. The 11:00 am mass is my usual time, but if it's done at any time at all, I'm sure it would have been part of our RCIA instruction. I don't think our church does this at all. And I'm glad it doesn't. Our RCIA was done on Wednesday evening, right after adoration. Sunday morning was left open for us to attend mass whenever convenient for us, and we were blessed with being able to observe it all, and participate except for receiving Holy Communion. Some of us did go down for the blessing. Being able to observe the Liturgy of the Eucharist, hearing all the prayers, singing the Sanctus, moving my mouth but not knowing the words half the time!, the Agnus Dei, the Great Amen, the bells ringing at the consecration, I could go on and on. All of it kept me encouraged to attend RCIA week after week even when I felt like I knew about as much as the speaker, because I had been soaking it up like a sponge for the past six months. If our church had instructed us to leave after the homily I would have because I would have done whatever they said. But I'm thankful we didn't have to.
My parish doesn't do that either, and I am so very thankful. We have RCIA classes on Thursday nights (sometimes Tuesday nights, too!) I'm attending RCIA again, even though I will be moving in January and have to start the whole thing again for the third time. I see the full liturgy, and go up to get a blessing instead of receiving. It was part of my journey, to see the difference in how the Eucharist was done in the Episcopal Church and how it is done in the Catholic Church. I attended both churches for a period of time, as I was unsure of what to believe. Over time, one seemed to be truly the Church; the other was revealed as a dim and utterly devoid substitution. Without that journey, I might still be in the Episcopal Church believing in a lie. I also believe that being so close to the Body and Blood was a blessing, as well as participating during the Liturgy. The way that God grabbed my heart when the host was first held up above the priests head, and the bell rang out in the silence.........God reached out and pulled me to the moment and GOT MY ATTENTION.
____________________
My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior....
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NanaR
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Posted: Mon Sep 17th, 2007 08:14 am |
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Hey folks,
I just wanted to check in and let you all know how my goal to attend both Mass and RCIA is going.
As it turns out, attending the 7:30 am Mass at the tiny mission church is a wonderful learning experience! Our pastor Father Noe does the Mass. The Church is REALLY tiny but beautiful. It has a bell tower and bell, and the inside is very nice with pews and kneelers and statuary. There is no Narthex and no plumbing, so no bathroom (but the Mass is only 45 minutes due to the small congregation and no organ for hymns).
Since there is no music, I have to stay on the ball as the Liturgy progresses. I got very used to being "cued" by the music at the Parish Church. We stand and recite the entrance antiphon, we have more responses because there are no altar servers. I stay in the pew and pray during Communion because there is only one aisle for going up and back, but that's okay. I think I will ask Father if it's okay for me to go up for a blessing. I didn't want to confuse the sweet gentleman who prepares the gifts for the altar since I told him I don't take communion.
The small group there is really friendly. Sometimes I forget to bless myself from the tiny holy water font and bow to the altar because people are chatting and they greet me. I'm going to pay more attention to that next time. They are mostly older couples, but not all. Haven't seen any children there yet. Last Sunday the little parking lot was full. It only holds about a dozen cars.
I kind of miss the "smells and bells", but I am there for the Lord and I go on to RCIA feeling strengthened and blessed.
The timing works out perfectly. I have to be ready for Church, I take my husband to work, and from his workplace there is a new industrial parkway that takes me almost to the Church door. After the Mass, I have plenty of time to get to the parish Church for the RCIA class.
So the Lord really does take care of things. He knows that I need RCIA, and he knows that I need Mass, so now I have both. I may keep going to the early Mass even when I start attending the 9:00 am one (where we leave at the middle); most of the time it will be a different homily anyway (we are blessed with 2 priests).
Ave Maria!
Ruth
____________________
When you bend down to help someone up, that is the best exercise for your heart. -- Fr. Noe, 2007
http://nanaruthann.blogspot.com
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BettyBoopToo
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Posted: Tue Sep 18th, 2007 05:19 pm |
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Ruth
This is such wonderful news. God is so very good to us, he figures out our needs before we even know them our selves. I'm very happy for you.
God Bless
Betty
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Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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jessef
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| Joined: | Wed Sep 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 4 |
| First Name: | Jesse | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Baptist, Carismatic, Oneness Apostolic, asnd Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Sep 19th, 2007 11:17 pm |
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This is very unusual due to the way that RCIA is usually setup. You should go to Mass for the Liturgy of the Word and then you should be dismissed with the Book of the Gospels.
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Credo Catholic
Member
| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 1212 |
| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Sep 19th, 2007 11:31 pm |
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| Ruth, I 'm glad you were able to work this out, and be able to attend a full mass as well as the RCIA class. The little chapel sounds like it was made just for you! Our RCIA is on Wednesday nights, and we had the third one tonight. We are supposed to get out at 8:00 p.m. but we are always in the middle of discussion and have to tear ourselves away at 8:30 so we can clean up and put the chairs back, etc. It's always a learning experience, and the people are so sincere and willing to share. I hope you get as much from yours. God bless
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NanaR
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| Joined: | Sat Jun 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 141 |
| First Name: | Ruth | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Born JW, born-again Catholic (Tiber Swim Team 2008) |
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Posted: Thu Sep 20th, 2007 06:18 am |
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jessef wrote: This is very unusual due to the way that RCIA is usually setup. You should go to Mass for the Liturgy of the Word and then you should be dismissed with the Book of the Gospels.
jessef,
We are still in the Inquiry period. Once we have the Rite of Acceptance, we will all attend the 9 am Mass and be dismissed after the Liturgy of the Word.
Ruth
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When you bend down to help someone up, that is the best exercise for your heart. -- Fr. Noe, 2007
http://nanaruthann.blogspot.com
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