Kevin
Terry
wrote:
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Mike,
I'm a Methodist, thinking about joining the Catholic Church.
- When I go to Mass, before I become Catholic, am I supposed
to leave before Communion, or should I remain there?
I wasn't sure what to do.
Thanks, and God Bless.
Later,
Kevin
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Are RCIA students in classes supposed
to leave before Communion, or remain for the whole Mass? }
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Mike replied:
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Hi Kevin,
I have a good friend of mine who is very knowledgeable about the Church's Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Below is part
of an e-mail I sent him:
Hi Bob,
- Can you help with the above question?
I recollect RCIA members leaving the Church before the Eucharistic
Liturgy part of the Mass started.
I believe the reason behind this is because the catechumen has not
accepted the Faith formally at this point. As Kevin has explained
in his question, he hasn't even started RCIA , so I don't see any
problem with him staying in the pew until the end of the Mass.
- Can you confirm if this is the correct answer, and elaborate further
if you wish?
I believe he is aware that non-Catholics are not allowed to receive
Our Blessed Lord in the Blessed Sacrament at this point in his faith
journey. It's also my understanding that he is going to the Catholic
Church as a visitor.
Hope you and the Mrs. are doing well.
Mike |
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Bob Centamore
replied:
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Hi Mike,
We are doing well, thanks, and I'm so glad to see CPATS is still active.
Yes, you are correct; he can and should stay for the entire Mass.
But ....
If he were enrolled in a formal RCIA process, it would be the Nicene Creed (I believe
in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth, etc.) and all the
other "I believes" contained therein that would cause the problem. The
class instructor should not and cannot assume the beliefs of the
students are there, until the proper instruction has been given.
Leaving after the homily and before the Creed is proper for an RCIA class.
Best wishes,
Bob Centamore
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