So What are the Scrutinies Anyway?

The Period of Purification and Enlightenment

This Sunday, St. Leonard parishioners will witness the second Scrutiny of Ida Karem-our elect who is in her final preparation to be baptized at Easter.

What are the “Scrutinies”? These special rites are celebrated on the middle three Sundays of Lent, at liturgies where the Elect are present. Part of their journey to the baptismal font is that they have been received among us, the Rite of Acceptance, and they have been enrolled in the Book of the Elect in the Rite of Election.

Even if these rites are not celebrated at the liturgy we attend, it can be wonderful to reflect upon the journey these Elect are making during Lent, as an inspiration and source of renewal for us in our journey. These are ancient rites that are profoundly rooted in our human experience. We need to examine (scrutinize) how we are, the areas of our lives where we are tempted, or seriously sin – in what we do and what we fail to do. We all need healing and the strength that can come from the support of our sisters and brothers.

Continue to pray for Ida, her family, and her sponsor as we accompany her to the Easter mysteries.