In a recent Community Chat, TeamRCIA discussed the many ways the baptismal priesthood is the primary agent of formation for the inquirers, catechumens, elect, and baptized candidates. There were a lot of questions about where to find resources to help parishioners “do Lent” in such a way that they also accompany the seekers on their […]
Initiation team resources for Lent, Triduum and the Easter Season
In the Rite (Order) of Christian Initiation of Adults, we have several celebrations for the catechumens: the Rite of Election, the three scrutinies, the Presentations of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer (or Rites of Handing On), and the preparation rites on Holy Saturday. But what do we have in Lent for the baptized candidates?
What does Lent have to offer the baptized candidates?
In a previous post, we looked at Joe’s baptism. Joe, a long-time choir member, had finally reached “the fullness of time” in his heart and moved out of his old life into new life in Christ through the waters of baptism. There are many things that brought Joe to that point in his life, but
What the scrutinies do to the elect in the RCIA process
Q. We have a candidate who was baptized as a Baptist going through RCIA. Can he be confirmed with our teen confirmation candidates when the bishop comes to celebrate? A.Thanks for reaching out. Your candidate needs to celebrate the Rite of Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church prescribed in RCIA Part II:5.
Q&A: Can we celebrate confirmation with an RCIA candidate when the bishop comes to our parish?
Q. I have a question about the minor rites. Because of COVID, should we skip all exorcisms, blessings, and anointings before the Rite of Election? Or should we try and include the anointing at the Rite of Election? Is the anointing in the minor rites the same thing as the prebaptismal anointing? A. I would not
Q&A: How to celebrate the Anointing of the Catechumens and other RCIA minor rites in pandemic
Q. We do not have any catechumens this year, and therefore no scrutinies. How do we liturgically engage in the journey of the baptized candidates? A. This is a common question. Because there are few Lenten preparation rites for the baptized candidates in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, we can tend to think that
Q&A: What rites can we celebrate with RCIA baptized candidates in Lent?
If your church community is implementing restrictions for gathering during these next several weeks, we’d like to offer some ideas on how you can still help your elect celebrate the Scrutinies and the Presentations as they prepare for baptism. Click the video below. Summary outline: See below for a timestamped summary outline if you want
How to celebrate the Scrutinies and Presentations during coronavirus restrictions
1. Don’t hand the elect a written text In the celebration of the presentations, what is being handed on is the teaching of the church (Creed) and the method of approaching the Father in prayer (Lord’s Prayer). St. Augustine called these the treasures of the church. They are handed over heart to heart. The elect
Avoid these blunders when celebrating the presentations
There is no explicit “scrutiny” in the scrutinies In the early church, the bishop would publicly inquire of the godparents if their elect had been living a Christian life. That doesn’t happen in the current rite. Instead, the elect are “scrutinized” by hearing the proclamation of God’s word. There is an exorcism, but it’s not
A few things you probably didn’t know about the scrutinies
Q: If the pastor will not use the Year A readings, am I correct in understanding that you don’t do the Scrutinies? A: All three Scrutinies are required for initiation, and they cannot be dispensed with (see your RCIA text, paragraph 20). If the pastor chooses to use the incorrect readings, the Scrutinies must still
Q&A: If you don’t use Year A readings, can you omit the Scrutinies?
