Over several articles, we have seen how profound the lenten scrutinies can be for your elect and your parish. We have explored how these rites are exercises in vision, letting the light of Christ reveal both what needs healing and what is already good.
We have reframed the exorcism as a loving acclamation of victory rather than a frightening battle with demons.
And we have examined the scrutinies as a three-part story of conversion as told by the gospels of the woman at the well, the healing of the blind man, and the raising of Lazarus.
In this article, we will focus on the essential role of the godparent and the simple ritual actions that allow the power of the scrutiny to reach its full potential.
The essential role of the godparent
Sometimes godparents are filling what they view as a ceremonial role, and we tend to treat them as honored guests who stand by while the priest does the work of the liturgy. However, in the scrutiny rites, the godparents are key to the success of the ritual.
Their role is especially important because the flow of the liturgy will be new to the elect. The elect may feel momentarily confused or spiritually vulnerable as they stand before the community to have their hearts “scrutinized” by the Word of God. The godparents are there to ensure the elect never feel alone in this spiritual journey.
Godparents are there to ensure the elect never feel alone in this spiritual journey.
The power of touch
The most powerful ritual requirement for the godparent is the physical contact with the elect. Throughout the liturgy, the godparent should be physically touching the elect. This is especially important at the moment the elect are invited to kneel or bow their heads for the prayers of exorcism.
Even as the elect are kneeling, the godparents are to maintain physical contact—usually a hand on the shoulder or arm—with the elect. This contact is maintained throughout the prayers and the dismissal until they leave the assembly.
This physical connection is a tangible sign of the church’s protection and love. As the presider prays for the elect to be freed from the power of sin, the godparent’s hand is a an anchor and a reminder that the whole Body of Christ stands with them.
Ritual integrity
To ensure the scrutinies are as meaningful as possible, stick to the words and directions given in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. Avoid the temptation to add extra symbols or words to the rite that distract from the primary symbol: the encounter between the Word of God and the human heart.
Always do these things:
- Pay attention to the words: Do not tinker with the text. The presider should focus on the specific verbs in the prayers of exorcism. These prayers are compelling supplications that call upon the God of mercy to protect the elect.
- The laying on of hands: The presider lays hands on each of the elect, solemnly and prayerfully. This is significantly more meaningful than the general raising of hands over all of the elect at once.
- Silence is golden: The laying on of hands must be done in complete silence. Do not underscore this action with music. The silence allows the weight of the prayer and the intensity of the moment to be felt by the entire assembly.
Always avoid these things:
- Don’t anoint the elect: Anointing is not part of the adult scrutiny. Although it is an option in the children’s adaptation of the scrutiny, it is not a good idea. Adding anointing detracts from the silent power of the hand-laying.
- Don’t add handing on rites: The handing on of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer are separate rites. They cannot be combined with the scrutinies.
- Don’t scrutinize the baptized candidates: These rites are strictly for the unbaptized elect.
- Don’t scrutinize the assembly: The assembly’s role is to intercede, not to be the subjects of the rite.
- Don’t skip the Year A readings: Even in Years B and C, the Year A are essential for making sense of the scrutinies.
- Don’t change the exorcism prayer: The payers provided in the rite are clear, powerful, and specifically tailored to the Year A gospels.
Prepare the elect spiritually by reflecting with them ahead of time on what they thirst for, what blinds them, and what in their life needs healing and resurrection. But don’t burden them by having to remember all the details of the ritual.
Rehearsing the rite
One last thing. Do not rehearse the scrutiny rites with the elect. Prepare them spiritually by reflecting with them ahead of time on what they thirst for, what blinds them, and what in their life needs healing and resurrection. But don’t burden them by having to remember all the details of the ritual.
Instead, rehearse with the godparents. Make it the godparents’ responsibility to move the elect into position and assure the elect that the godparents have everything under control.
Conclusion
The godparents have an essential role to play as spiritual accompanists in the scrutinies. Through their steady presence, gentle touch, and prayerful confidence, godparents make visible the church’s love for the elect. When the rites are celebrated with care—faithful to the text, grounded in silence, and centered on the word—the whole community participates in Christ’s healing and liberating power. The scrutinies then become not only a moment of grace for the elect, but a renewal of faith for the entire parish.
For more information, see this article: How to rehearse the scrutinies.
Review all the articles in this series
- Why “scrutiny” is actually about light
- Reclaiming the victory of the exorcism
- The scrutinies are a three-part story of conversion
- Empowering godparents for the scrutinies
- What happens to the elect because of the scrutinies?
Are you ready to stop “surviving” the lenten rites and start thriving in your ministry?
By rediscovering the purpose of these rites, you can move from the frustration of “ritual policing” to the joy of spiritual fulfillment. You aren’t just managing logistics; you are witnessing the “light go on” in the hearts of those called by God.
Join us on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, at 11:00a PST / 2:00p EST for our exclusive webinar, “Use the Hidden Power of the Scrutinies to Renew Your Parish.”
We will guide you through a step-by-step process to master the liturgical basics and preparation strategies to transform these misunderstood rites into awe-inspiring moments of conversion for the entire community. Come discover why these rites are essential for making disciples and how to ignite a new passion for faith in your parish this Lent.
