Fr Peter’s Message on Scrutinies
Scrutinies in the Catholic Church are a series of rites for adults who wish to be baptised. These scrutinies are celebrated on the third, fourth and fifth weeks of the Lenten season.
This is considered a period of purification and enlightenment for the “elect.” The overall prayers and laying on of hands are to help the “elect” be enlightened by the Word and grace of God.
During the liturgy of the Scrutinies, the parish is asked to pray for the “elect” during this special time of preparation before they receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil. These “elect” are also “catechumens.” We also have candidates who have already been baptised in a Christian church, who will be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church also at the Easter Vigil. We are asked to pray for them too.
We give thanks to the RCIA and RCIYP team for sharing their time and their faith with these elect and candidates.