Article I:
What are Scrutinies and why are they celebrated during Lent?
We are blessed to have three catechumens, adults who are in a formation process to become Catholic. They, along with their sponsors, have been learning, reflecting and preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil on April 4th. After an initial inquiry period, they were received into our community at the Rite of Acceptance in December. On the first Sunday of Lent, they took the next step when their sponsors spoke on their behalf, that they are ready to enter the final preparation process, by being sent forth from our parish community to the local church (the Basilica) to participate in the Rite of Election and officially became known as "the Elect."
Scrutinies are very special rites with a long, honored history in the Church that are celebrated on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent, at liturgies where the Elect are present. They were originally two related, separate rituals: exorcisms and scrutinies in which a bishop would examine (scrutinize) the conduct of those preparing for baptism and then lay his hands daily on the Elect, leading prayers of exorcism over them until their baptism at the Easter Vigil. Because infant baptisms started to outnumber adult baptisms and bishops empowered parish priests to celebrate baptisms, the rites were combined and the sacraments of initiation were separated.
Another way to describe a scrutiny is that we need to examine (scrutinize) how we are, the areas of our lives where we are tempted, or seriously sin - in what we do and what we fail to do (sound familiar to you cradle Catholics? - it's called the Confiteor, "I confess to almighty God, and to you my brothers and sisters…"). We all need healing and the strength that comes from the support of our sisters and brothers. We receive that gift of grace through the sacrament of Baptism.
This weekend (March 7/8), immediately following the Homily, the Elect will be invited by Fr. Tim to experience the following:
Invitation to Silent Prayer (the entire community offers silent prayers for them as they continue their final preparation)
Intercessions for the Elect (prayers are read aloud and offered for the Elect)
Prayer of Exorcism (ancient Rite discussed above in which the Elect recognize sin and seek healing, which will be received through Baptism)
The Laying on of Hands (blessing bestowed by Fr. Tim on the behalf of all those present)
Dismissal (the Elect continue their preparation in the weeks between now and the Easter Vigil)
We ask that you keep our Elect, their sponsors and families in your prayers as we continue our final preparations for the Easter Vigil. Oremus pro invicem.
Susie Osacho, Sacramental Prep Coordinator.