Why Three Scrutinies?

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10 thoughts on “Why Three Scrutinies?”

  1. Thanks for posting this. Just last week I got the question (as I do every year), “What are the Scrutinies?” and “Why are there three of them?” I’ve been involved with the RCIA for 14 years, and I’ve always had trouble answering these questions in a way that felt genuine. This really helps me put it in a perspective I can share with the catechumens. Thanks so much!

  2. Rita, your thoughts on the scrutinies in this post are just terrific! I think you are spot on that most often sin starts out as some good intention, hidden from sight. I loved your line that scrutinies are experiences of the freeing touch of grace. I also heartily applaud your comment that echoes remain of the initiatory events long after they are over. Thanks for giving us clearer sight into the scrutinies.

  3. We hear repeatedly about people who got taken by some scam. We’re prone to say, “How could they be so foolish?” But the fact is that we are tempted everyday to choose something which looks good but is ultimately harmful to the Christian spirit. The Scrutinies are the Church’s prescription for healing our blindness. As the elect submit themselves to this spiritual therapy we all learn from this action of grace.

  4. “That is yet another reason why the Scrutinies must be celebrated well. Passionately. And with a clear sense of their purpose.”

    You are so spot-on with this statement. Being involved with RCIA for almost 30 years, I’ve seen and experienced how often the Rites just seem to be flowing because they are a part of the journey.

    As catechists we need to infuse passion in how we teach and share the faith. I believe those who hunger for it are really looking to feed off of us and the passion we express.

    Thanks for this very awesome article!

  5. Pingback: 40/40 – Lenten Activities: The Scrutinies

  6. Pingback: It’t Time for the Living Stations Again!

  7. Diane Pappas

    I am sponsoring a candidate with RCIA. I am wondering if you can give me any information of an existing program for newly baptized Catholics who want to continue in their learning of the faith, i.e. Bible studies or adult ed specifically for them to gather in their RCIA groups and continue to grow in the faith. They are showing an interest for this. Do we have any such program in place for continued learning and sharing?

  8. This weekend, I had the awe-filled pleasure of seeing the “light go on” for one of our Elect during the First Scrutiny. He GOT IT, like he never had before. Ritual has the power to transform-and this one did.

    1. Diana Macalintal

      I love it, Mel! Same thing happened at our parish this past weekend. I sensed that both our elect and our community GOT IT because of the power of the ritual and of doing the ritual well! Praying for your elect with you!

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