Scrutinies are prayers of healing prayed by the community during Lent that the catechumens will have the strength to withstand evil and remain pure and free from sin as they journey toward initiation, continued conversion and maturing faith.

The Scrutinies are powerful rituals that also remind us, the faithful who are already baptized, of our need for the penance, healing, conversion and reconciliation that are a part of Lent for all of us. Lent just isn’t Lent without catechumens. While we minister to them, they provide a visible reminder to us of the meaning and purpose of Lent and minister to us through their presence.

Then, finally, the great night arrives—the night of Easter Vigil at which the Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated and the catechumens are made one with the Body of Christ called Church. This is the community’s final ritual gesture which says, “Now you belong, for you have been born again of water and Spirit. Come, you are welcome at the Table of the Lord.” It is the climax of the conversion journey, but not the end of the journey. 

The RCIA process compels those of us who have been Christians since infant Baptism to look critically at our roots as Church, and to renew ourselves in light of our tradition. We all experience God’s call to change our lives and improve our relationship with the Lord.
 

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