Celebrating the Scrutinies; March 23, March 30, and April 6

What are the Scrutinies, and why does that affect our readings at Mass?

The Scrutinies are part of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), celebrated on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent. These rites help prepare those seeking Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. The Scrutinies are prayers for purification, spiritual renewal, and strengthening of faith. The readings for these Sundays are different from the usual readings, focusing on themes of light, living water, and resurrection, to guide the candidates on their journey.
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For parishioners, the Scrutinies are a time to support the catechumens with prayers and reflect on their own faith. It is a special part of Lent, emphasizing renewal and hope for new life in Christ.

We are so lucky to have people who will be initiated into the Catholic faith at our Easter Vigil, and part of that process is celebrating the scrutinies. This affects our readers because, at the Masses where we will be celebrating the scrutinies, the readings will change. We will be using the readings from Cycle A. We are currently in Cycle C.

The ONLY Masses that will be affected at St. Paul VI are:
Sunday, March 23; 9:30am at Mater Christi Church
Sunday, March 30; 5pm at St. Mary Church
Sunday, April 7; 11am at Mater Christi Church

Readings for the above Masses will come from the Cycle A readings. 
Third Sunday of Lent | USCCB - Cycle A (3/23)
Fourth Sunday of Lent | USCCB - Cycle A (3/30)
Fifth Sunday of Lent | USCCB - Cycle A (4/6)

All the other Masses will read the normal Cycle C readings.
Third Sunday of Lent | USCCB - Cycle C (3/23)
Fourth Sunday of Lent | USCCB - Cycle C (3/30)
Fifth Sunday of Lent | USCCB - Cycle C (4/6)


For more information about the Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) and the scrutinies, please visit the USCCB website.
Christian Initiation of Adults | USCCB 
USCCB Blog: Catholic Conversion Process Unwrapped