![]() ![]() ![]() Subsequently a considerable amount can be discovered about the catechetical practices of the early Church, though one must beware of assuming a uniform pattern. However, there is no evidence for a catechumenate spread over a period of time before the second half of the second century, when its existence is implied by Justin's link of fasting and prayer with instruction (1 Apology 61.2). The moral teaching of the Didache (probably first century) on the 'Two Ways' (1 –6) was apparently intended for pre-baptismal recitation (7.1: "having first recited all these things, baptize …" ). In the Christian Church, Acts contains several examples of instruction given immediately before baptism (e.g. Mention of the catechumen ( kat ēchoumenos ) and the catechist ( kat ēch ōn ) occurs already in Paul (Gal 6.6). The origins of the catechumenate can perhaps be found in Judaism, for instruction was required before an adult gentile was admitted to circumcision and proselyte baptism, and similarly before the initiatory washing practiced by the Qumram community. (Deacon Agnoli is director of liturgy for the Diocese of Davenport.A process by which catechumens, whether adults or children of catechetical age, are prepared for Baptism according to an organized method, which includes liturgical rites as well as instruction also the state or Order of catechumens, carrying canonically defined privileges.īeginnings. Let us remember, too, the truth of the scrutinies: We are all sinners in need of healing and forgiveness we all need the salvation offered by Christ Jesus. The special Mass prayers used on these days reinforce those powerful images.Īs we observe these Sundays of Lent, let us keep our Elect - and our candidates - in prayer. We are reminded that Christ is the living water, the light of the world, the resurrection and the life. We are reminded that in baptism we are given to drink of life-giving waters, we are given new eyes of faith, and we are given new life. By recounting these stories, we not only help the Elect understand where they are going - we remind ourselves of where we’ve come from. The readings from Cycle A of the Lectionary are used when the scrutinies are celebrated because the Gospel selections for those days have been traditionally associated with baptism: the Samaritan woman at the well, the healing of the man born blind, and the raising of Lazarus. ![]() The scrutinies, then, are a way for us - the Church - to help support the Elect on this final leg of their journey to the font and table. ![]() Marvin Mottet notes in his article, part of the scrutinies is a prayer for freedom and protection from the effects of sin and from any influence of the devil (RCIA #144) - what we call a “minor exorcism.” That may sound a little scary or conjure up some bad Hollywood images, but no one is saying that the Elect are possessed! Rather, for the Elect, this final season of preparation can be a time of fatigue and temptation. Second, the scrutinies are meant to help heal what is sinful and strengthen what is good in the Elect (RCIA #141). By knowing the truth about ourselves we come to know our need for God - and thirst more and more for life-giving waters. The reality that we celebrate at the Triduum is that we have salvation in Christ. The scrutinies are meant to help the Elect in two ways.įirst, the Elect are reminded that they are sinners (as we all are) - but that is not a cause for despair or discouragement. Instead, candidates may celebrate a special penitential rite on the second Sunday of Lent. In fact, to celebrate the scrutinies with someone already baptized (or even to have them sign the Book of the Elect) is to denigrate their baptism, to say it made no difference that is quite an insult. Catechumens who have not been elected do not celebrate the scrutinies, and neither do candidates (those already baptized who are coming into full communion with the Church). Let me repeat: we celebrate this rite for the Elect - those catechumens who have been called to the Easter sacraments. On the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent we celebrate these special rites for them. These Elect, as they are now called, begin their final period of “purification and enlightenment” before Easter. At the beginning of Lent, catechumens are elected by the bishop for the Easter sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. The scrutinies are part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). ![]()
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