On March 19, 2020, the Vatican issued guidelines and suggestions on the celebration of the Triduum for this year during this time of the Covid-19 Coronavirus. Here is the official text in English, Spanish, and French. UPDATE: The Vatican issued a slightly updated version of this decree on March 25, 2020. We summarize here the […]
Vatican guidelines on the Triduum in time of Coronavirus
Many communities might not be able to gather to celebrate the Triduum this year because of Coronavirus precautions. What does this mean for the RCIA rites of initiation that usually take place at the Easter Vigil? Here we look at some options that the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults gives us and explore some
RCIA, the Triduum, and Coronavirus
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
(This article was also pubished here in Spanish. Este artículo también fue publicado aquí en español.) Congratulations! You and your RCIA team have worked so hard to prepare your catechumens and candidates to get them ready for this life-changing moment. Consider this a virtual hug and pat on the back for all your dedication, effort,
What to look for at the Easter Vigil
Dear (Arch)Bishop, We know that these days have been hard for all of us in the Church and that you have many urgent tasks before you. We also know that you care deeply about the ongoing mission of Christ that all the baptized share, and we have seen many of you and your brother bishops
With everything else going on during the Triduum, the preparation rites on Holy Saturday can get a little lost. If you are feeling overwhelmed, the first thing to know is that only one thing is required. The elect are to be advised that on Holy Saturday they should refrain from their usual activities, spend their
A brief primer on the Holy Saturday RCIA Preparation Rites
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?
Discernment by the bishop In the ancient church, the catechumens who wanted to be baptized that year would give their names to their pastor sometime before Lent. If the pastor thought they were ready, he would submit their names to the bishop. At the beginning of Lent, all those seeking baptism would go before the
A few things you probably didn’t know about the Rite of Election
