The dismissal of the catechumens is a liturgical rite that is done any time catechumens are present at Mass: When [catechumens] are present with the congregation of the faithful, they must normally be gently dismissed before the Eucharistic Celebration begins. (OCIA 75.3) The practice of dismissing the catechumens before the liturgy of the Eucharist begins […]
Where did the dismissal of catechumens come from?
Q. We have three adults in our formation process. One is from the Baptist tradition and the other two are active Catholic members of our parish who need only confirmation. Because they are all baptized, I understand they do not need the formal catechumenate process nor do they have to wait until the Easter Vigil.
Q&A: How do we help our candidates develop a relationship with Jesus?
“Why do I have to go to church?” I was feeling cranky, and my six-year-old self wasn’t having it. “Because I’m your mother, and I say so.” My mother wasn’t having it either. End of discussion. Sometime later, we had a similar dispute about my need to finish the now-cold lima beans on my dinner
Is it really necessary to dismiss the catechumens?
You can reflect questions for every Sunday of the year by clicking here.Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary TimeBackground: Although much of the Old Testament tradition proclaims God’s love and care for the poor and the vulnerable, another strand in the tradition presupposes that wealth is a sign of God’s favor. On the road up to Jerusalem,
Reflection Questions for RCIA Seekers: Year C – The 26th-31st Sundays in Ordinary Time
There is a story about an old fish that swims near a couple of teenage fish. As he passes by, he says, “Hey guys, how’s the water?” And then, as the older fish swims away, one of the young fish says to the other, “What’s water?” Trying to describe water to a fish is a
What is a catechumenal culture?
The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens instructs that a group of the faithful go outside to gather with those who will become catechumens. How do you convince your entire assembly to move and go out?
Rite of Acceptance: Get the assembly to go out
As we approach the fall those who are students or parents of students understand the “back to school” nature of our lives. For better or for ill, such is the rhythm for many of our parishes and ministries. For many years, and even to today, I read any number of bulletin announcements that tell us
Is your catechumenate open all year-round? What does year-round mean?
You can reflect questions for every Sunday of the year by clicking here.Twenty Second Sunday of Ordinary TimeBackground: Jesus is still on his journey to Jerusalem and continues to teach us what we need to do to make the journey with him. In this Sunday’s gospel selection, he is warning us to take the long
Reflection Questions for RCIA Seekers: Year C – The 22nd-25th Sundays in Ordinary Time
Shortly after I moved to California in 1992, there was a story in the local paper about a woman who landed at the airport thinking she was in San Jose, Costa Rica. She took a taxi to her hotel, went to bed, and only realized the next morning at breakfast that she was in San
How do you know if your seekers are ready for the next step in the catechumenate process?
The new translation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (which is not yet published), will make an interesting change to the ritual text in English. The current translation says that before inquirers can celebrate the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, “sponsors, catechists, and deacons, parish priests (pastors) have the responsibility
Are we supposed to judge the seekers’ intentions in the catechumenate process?
