Dear Parishioners,
As we journey through Lent, a special set of rites will take place during our Sunday 9:30 Masses—the Scrutinies. These beautiful and solemn rites are part of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA, formerly RCIA) and are celebrated on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent to help prepare the elect—those preparing to join the church—by deepening their faith and spiritual conversion.
What Are the Scrutinies?
Each scrutiny is a rite of reflection, prayer, and purification, thematically linked to a Gospel reading. They offer the elect an opportunity to examine their lives, seek God's grace, and strengthen their commitment to Christ. At the same time, our entire parish community is invited to reflect on our own lives as we pray for the elect.
Gospel Readings for Each Sunday
Each scrutiny is accompanied by a Gospel passage that reflects transformation in Christ:
- First Scrutiny - Third Sunday of Lent - March 23rd: Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:5-42) – Symbolizing Christ as the living water.
In the story of the woman at the well, the Samaritan woman hears Jesus then goes and tells the villagers what she has heard, causing them to seek Him out for themselves. The reading ends with the villagers saying to the woman, "We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world." (John 4:42).
Was this not the starting point of every Elect and all of us? We heard a word, a word that we discovered over time to be Christ. Upon discovering who was speaking to us, we no longer believed because of hearsay, obligation, or pressure, but because we heard Christ's voice for ourselves.
Looking back on your spiritual journey, think of one of the times that you realized that Christ was speaking to you. What was he saying to you or asking you? How did you respond?
- Second Scrutiny - Fourth Sunday of Lent - March 30th: Jesus healing the man born blind (John 9:1-41) – Signifying Christ as the light of the world.
- Third Scrutiny - Fifth Sunday of Lent - April 6th: Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-45) – Representing Christ as the resurrection and the life.
While the term “scrutiny” may suggest an examination, these rites are not about questioning the elect but rather about prayer, repentance, and purification. They are a time for them—and for all of us—to open our hearts more fully to Christ.
Please keep our elect, Cheyenne Rodriguez and Ambren Cavaros (pictured below), in your prayers as they continue their journey toward joining the church during the Easter Vigil Mass. May this Lenten season bring renewal and grace to us all.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming Catholic or learning more about the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), please contact Deacon Ron Herr at the office: 806-376-7204 x 306 or herr@stmarysamarillo.com.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish & School
Forming Families for Eternity