Together in Spirit

Browsing From the Desk of Fr. Mike

The Scrutiny's

This year we have several candidates for reception into the full sacramental life of the Church. (They have been baptized previously in other Christian denominations) and one catechumen (unbaptized). All will enter into full sacramental life in the Church at the Easter Vigil. We treat the catechumen a bit differently than the candidates. Since the candidates are already baptized they share in the protection that Christ gives to His members. For the catechumen, because he is not yet a member of Christ’s Body, we as a church community surround him with our prayers even at Mass.

In the next three weeks he will go through the scrutiny's. These are rites for selfsearching and repentance that have above all a spiritual purpose. They are meant to uncover, then heal, all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good.

This first scrutiny is based on the Gospel we hear today from John. He tells us the story of Jesus meeting the woman by the well. After the homily our elect will be called forward with his sponsor. There will be a series of intercessions that conclude with a prayer of exorcism:

God of power
You sent your Son to be our Savior
grant that this catechumen
who, like the woman of Samaria, thirsts for living water,
may turn to the Lord as he hears God’s word
and acknowledge the sins and weaknesses
that weigh him down.

Protect him from vain reliance on self,
and defend him from the power of Satan.

Free him from the spirit of deceit,
so that admitting the wrong he has done,
he may attain purity of heart
and advance on the way to salvation.

In the power of your name,
which we call upon in faith,
stand by him now and heal him.
Rule over the spirit of evil,
conquered by your rising from the dead.

Show your elect the way of salvation in the Holy Spirit,
that he may come to worship the Father in truth,
for you live and reign for ever and ever.

It is a great gift to help open the way of faith for these candidates and the elect. Please pray especially for them as we prepare for Easter.

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