Practicing Catholics are generally very hospitable people and dismissing the catechumens (unbaptized) and candidates (baptized) somehow seems very unfriendly and harsh. It makes some people feel very uncomfortable and uneasy. We, on the RCIA team felt the same way. However, following the directives of the Order of the RCIA and with trust in the Holy Spirit, we learned it was the proper thing to do.

Since our catechumens and candidates are not as yet in full union with our Church they cannot receive the Eucharist. They attend the part of the mass we call the Liturgy of the Word so that they may hear the Scripture readings assigned for the day and the homily. (This part of the mass was known as the "Mass of the Catechumens" in the Early Church.) When dismissed they go, with a discussion leader, to the Parish Life Center to"Break Open the Word" and see how it applies to us, what it means today in our lives, how we can live it.

Sponsors who accompany the catechumens and candidates to the back of the church do not have to join in this discussion. They return to their seats for the rest of the mass and keep those they are sponsoring in prayer before God. We hope all of you do the same.

Being dismissed from Mass is not very pleasant either. People stare in curiosity, but this is made easy to bear by the many others who smile warmly. On the whole most catechumens and candidates would rather be dismissed to go and study the Readings than to remain and not be able to share in the Eucharist. (Their hunger for the Eucharist grows as their faith increases and seeing others receive when they cannot is very difficult.) They also feel that their dismissal is a statement of their faith and their commitment to being a member of the Body of Christ. They have taught us how very blessed we are to be able to receive the Lord in Holy Communion each day. And we all look forward to the Easter Vigil when they will join us the Table of the Lord.