Thoughts on the Neocatechumenal Way (Catholic Caucus)

Can any of my fellow Catholic Freepers shed any light on this movement? I would love to hear your input.

What is the Neocatechumenal Way ? Never heard of it.

Their website:

http://www.camminoneocatecumenale.it/new/default.asp?lang=en

Wikepedia entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neocatechumenal_Way

I have never heard of it. But.... I found this on line

These are the Holy Father\'s words. He was saying to them: \"I have given you directives through this congregation; follow them.\" Q: What is the content of these directives? Cardinal Arinze: On December 1, 2005, at the conclusion of many talks over a period of at least two years or more, our congregation wrote a two-page letter to the leaders of the Neocatechumenal Way. I will simply give the summary: \"In the celebration of the Holy Mass, the Neocatechumenal Way will accept and follow the liturgical books approved by the Church without omitting or adding anything.\" This is the basic principle. To follow the approved books; not to add or take away.\" All the rest is detail; six more precise points are presented to respond to some petitions of the Neocatechumenal Way on matters relating to the Eucharistic celebration. In the first place, on the Saturday night celebration: Sunday is the Lord\'s Day. The Holy Father has decided that the communities of the Neocatechumenal Way, at least one Sunday a month, must participate in the holy Mass of the parish community. For the other three weeks, the Neocatechumenal Way must engage, in each diocese, in dialogue with the diocesan bishop. In regard to the homily, pronounced always by the priest or the deacon, a brief occasional intervention may be made that does not have the appearance of a homily. This can also be accepted. On the greeting of peace, the Neocatechumenal Way is granted the possibility of taking advantage of the indult already given, that is, that the exchange of peace take place before the Offertory, until a new disposition [is given]. In regard to the manner of receiving holy Communion, the Neocatechumenal Way is granted a period of transition, of no longer than two years\' duration, to pass from the generalized way of receiving Communion among its communities -- for example, seated, using an adorned table place in the center of the church, instead of the dedicated altar -- to the normal manner for the whole Church of receiving holy Communion. This means that the Neocatechumenal Way must move toward the way established by the liturgical books for the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ. Finally, the Neocatechumenal Way must also use the other Eucharistic Prayers contained in the Missal and not only the second Eucharistic Prayer. Q: How did this letter come about? Cardinal Arinze: It stemmed from the results of this congregation\'s examination of the way in which the Neocatechumenal Way has celebrated holy Mass for many years, as, following the approval of the statutes by the Pontifical Council for the Laity -- for a five-year period -- the rest of the Vatican dicasteries had to effect the approvals in their domain. Our congregation\'s domain is the liturgy. To carry out this examination, we created a mixed commission of persons named by the Neocatechumenal Way and by our congregation. In the discussions, many practices emerged which they carry out during the Mass. They were examined and it was seen that many of them were not done according to the approved books. This is the background. Everything has been examined in many sessions by the mixed commission for a period of two years or more. And a discussion also took place among seven cardinals of the Roman Curia at the request of the Holy Father, who examined everything. Therefore, this letter is the conclusion of this whole process.

Holy Wall of Text, Batman!

Oops it’s looked much better on the site I copied it from.

Preview is our FRiend.

That Strange Mass the Pope (Benedict) Doesn't Like

Please note: Pope Francis has just recently countermanded the investigation of the NeoCats that had been ordered by Pope Emeritus Benedict. The investigation has been abruptly shut down.

Let's try this again.

These are the Holy Father\'s words. He was saying to them: \"I have given you directives through this congregation; follow them.\"

Q: What is the content of these directives? Cardinal Arinze:

On December 1, 2005, at the conclusion of many talks over a period of at least two years or more, our congregation wrote a two-page letter to the leaders of the Neocatechumenal Way. I will simply give the summary:

\"In the celebration of the Holy Mass, the Neocatechumenal Way will accept and follow the liturgical books approved by the Church without omitting or adding anything.\" This is the basic principle. To follow the approved books; not to add or take away.\" All the rest is detail;

six more precise points are presented to respond to some petitions of the Neocatechumenal Way on matters relating to the Eucharistic celebration.

In the first place, on the Saturday night celebration: Sunday is the Lord\'s Day. The Holy Father has decided that the communities of the Neocatechumenal Way, at least one Sunday a month, must participate in the holy Mass of the parish community. For the other three weeks, the Neocatechumenal Way must engage, in each diocese, in dialogue with the diocesan bishop.

In regard to the homily, pronounced always by the priest or the deacon, a brief occasional intervention may be made that does not have the appearance of a homily.

This can also be accepted. On the greeting of peace, the Neocatechumenal Way is granted the possibility of taking advantage of the indult already given, that is, that the exchange of peace take place before the Offertory, until a new disposition [is given].

In regard to the manner of receiving holy Communion, the Neocatechumenal Way is granted a period of transition, of no longer than two years\' duration, to pass from the generalized way of receiving Communion among its communities -- for example, seated, using an adorned table place in the center of the church, instead of the dedicated altar -- to the normal manner for the whole Church of receiving holy Communion.

This means that the Neocatechumenal Way must move toward the way established by the liturgical books for the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ.

Finally, the Neocatechumenal Way must also use the other Eucharistic Prayers contained in the Missal and not only the second Eucharistic Prayer.

Q: How did this letter come about?

Cardinal Arinze: It stemmed from the results of this congregation\'s examination of the way in which the Neocatechumenal Way has celebrated holy Mass for many years, as, following the approval of the statutes by the Pontifical Council for the Laity -- for a five-year period -- the rest of the Vatican dicasteries had to effect the approvals in their domain.

Our congregation\'s domain is the liturgy. To carry out this examination, we created a mixed commission of persons named by the Neocatechumenal Way and by our congregation. In the discussions, many practices emerged which they carry out during the Mass. They were examined and it was seen that many of them were not done according to the approved books.

This is the background. Everything has been examined in many sessions by the mixed commission for a period of two years or more. And a discussion also took place among seven cardinals of the Roman Curia at the request of the Holy Father, who examined everything. Therefore, this letter is the conclusion of this whole process.

Don’t do it.

Our pastor tried it and all they got at the end was vulnerable Hispanics.

Another person and I went to their first meeting to listen and to talk to people.

Neo Way is popular is S. America, but has not been approved, as far as I know, by the Vatican.

They also go into forms of prayer that the Catholic Church does not approve of.

I wouldn’t touch them with a 10-foot pole.

Pope Benedict XVI didn’t want it. And I don’t believe others do either. But I can speak only for myself and my own experience in what was tried in my parish.

Another fellow and I tried to talk our pastor out of it.

Thanks, although I still don’t understand it.

I don’t either, really. Basically, it’s a fairly new spiritual movement. Some people think it’s beneficial, and others don’t.

I have read some the replies to your post, and feel you are being greatly misinformed. First of all, the Neocatechumenal Way has approval from the Vatican. In fact, Benedict XVI himself have the final seal approval of the group. Also, there was no investigation going on that Francis shut down as Benedict had already given the approval.

The Neocatechumenal Way is an incredible group that promotes (more than any other group/movement that I have experienced in the Catholic Church) family, Humanae Vitae, adherence to the magisterium and EVANGELIZATION. It is as Benedict called it a gift of the Holy Spirit.

I would just encourage you to hear what they have to say. Also, realize that they focus not so much on people that are already attending the parish, but are looking for the lost sheep. They try and get people who are not actively practicing their faith to see that God exists, loves them and wants a relationship with them.

It is very difficult to get people who have gone astray to come back, but the Neocatechumenal Way offers a way for them to not only come back (or maybe come for the first time), but also a way for people who are adults to have faith formation that is ongoing. Furthermore, they create an environment for a person to not feel pressured, but welcomed to come back to church.

I will share with you my experience with the NC Way briefly. I am a Catholic my whole life. My parents were not really church people, but thanks be to God my grandparents brought me every Sunday. I was an altar server, worked as a sacristan, and was heavily involved in the Parish. I eventually went into the seminary, and let’s just say I thought I was a pretty saintly guy.

I had been introduced to the NC Way by friends of mine. I was very suspicious about the teachings and liturgy of the group, but felt welcomed. I didn’t join a community or anything but I had experienced it.

I left the seminary realizing priesthood wasn’t for me. I went to work at a parish and it just so happened that the parish had the NC Way. I was invited to hear the catechesis in the parish and while it was enlightening, I came in with negative ideas already formed in my head. After speaking with the bishop about the NC Way I joined the new community being formed at the parish.

When I joined the community, I had a very cocky attitude and though the my you-know-what didn’t stink. I felt that I was a very good Catholic and that I would be an example to these people of what it means to be a Christian. After being the in community for a few years, I realized that I was dead wrong - I am a sinner who needs God’s mercy and forgiveness. I also had to learn how to forgive and love others. I do not know if I would have come to this realization of I had not been in the NC Way. I also know I wouldn’t be married now, at the age of 24, and expecting my first child had it not been for the catechesis I received on Christian marriage.

Everyone has different experiences of how God has worked and is at work in their lives. I feel very strongly that God has put this “way” in my way so that I can grow in love for Him. I am still a sinner, but through this group I am able to acknowledge that and pray for the grace to strive for perfection as my Father in Heaven is.

Sorry this is a bit long. I know there is a lot out on the internet about the NC Way, both positive and negative. In all things there is good and bad because nothing and no one, except for Christ Himself, is perfect. The NC Way is just one way that people can grow and deepen their faith. For me it has been a wonderful gift, and I know of many other people who have had their lives, marriages and families saved because of what God has done through this way. Not everyone will have the same experience, but it is certainly worth it to have them come and present at your parish, because someone may need to hear what God has to say through these catechesis and the witness of these people. Heaven will rejoice over one sinner who repents. Peace!

I also just wanted to share that I am NOT a “vulnerable Hispanic” lol. I am an American of German descent. While yes the NC Way is popular in South America, it is most popular in Spain and Italy, and spread all across Europe. Currently, they are preparing to send families-in-mission to China and different parts of Asia to spread Christianity.