Florida Catholic | Catechumen Confesses Before Community

Catechumen confesses before community

LAURA DODSON | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 03.07.08

Terms that apply to the Rite of Christian Initiation process.

LAKELAND | Acknowledging one’s sinfulness is difficult enough; doing so publicly before one’s chosen faith community is humbling at best. Lynelle Olson, a member of the elect from St. Joseph Parish in Lakeland, said, “I stood up and was recognized and it was known that I want acceptance. I pray to the Holy Spirit, I pray to God that he will give me the strength to fight against the temptations of sin.”

Olson was referring to the first scrutiny — the rite celebrated on the third Sunday of Lent, Feb. 24 this year, for the elect in the process of Christian Initiation of Adults. The Gospel for the first scrutiny is the parable of the Samaritan woman at the well (Jn 4:5-42).

“The first scrutiny means that you have to be aware of what your sins are — all the things I’ve done or said and wished I had done or said differently,” explained Olson, who is 18 years old.

Jean Mamula is Olson’s aunt and godparent, also called a sponsor, and is called to stand beside Olson and support her in this time of reflection. “It is so important for the elect to realize how sin made a difference in their lives and I really hope that life will change. Until we understand what sin is, we can’t change it. Sin is different at different times and the more we understand, the more we’re obliged to change our lives.”

Olson is one of nine in her parish preparing for the celebration of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at the upcoming Easter Vigil. This Lenten period of purification and enlightenment is the final step before initiation. It is a time for the elect to dig deeply into their lives and lifestyles, discovering where sin exists and the painful rooting out of all that keeps them from a closer relationship with Christ.

Mamula shed additional light, “Lynelle had very difficult younger years and (it’s wonderful) to see her mature like a bud opening every week and to see her joy. She’s eager and excited. She’s like a little sponge. It’s not often that you have the opportunity to share something that you love so much with someone who is so eager to learn about our faith. It’s been a wonderful journey for me, too.”

Olson concluded, “I want to know everything I can about Jesus and become more Christ–like — not just with my mind, but with my heart. I want to help others want to know Jesus just by what I do in my life. I want to be living water for others.”

Scrutinies?

As catechumens progress through Christian Initiation of Adults, they go through the scrutinies, a rite of self-searching and seeking spiritual purpose.

A scrutiny is a ritual celebrated at the time of “purification and enlightenment” for catechumens enrolled in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Scrutinies call all the members of the parish to “scrutinize” their lives in light of the Gospel. In this rite, the elect (catechumens to be baptized at the Easter Vigil) are called forth and the community prays with them for strength to form their lives according to Gospel teaching.

The intent of the scrutinies is to purify the minds and hearts of the catechumens, to strengthen them against temptation, to purify their intentions and to make firm their decision so they remain more closely united with Christ.

The three scrutinies are celebrated on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent in the presence of the community.

Three Gospels are proclaimed for the scrutinies. First is the Samaritan woman (Jn 4:5-42), in which Christ is the living water; second is the man born blind (Jn 9:1-41), in which Christ is the light of the world; and finally, the raising of Lazarus (Jn 11:1-45), in which Christ is the resurrection and the life.

Adapted from March 19, 2006, bulletin of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Winter Park.

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