Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

As the journey of spiritual preparation continues for the Elect, they have entered what is known as the Period of Purification and Enlightenment. This phase involves a series of rituals called the Scrutinies, which date back to early Church traditions. These rituals are observed on three Sundays during Lent, starting with the First Scrutiny on March 23.

The St. Margaret Mary Parish in Winter Park describes these Scrutinies as "a more intense period of examination and preparation for the Elect, and hopefully for those of us already living the Catholic faith." They emphasize that while primarily intended for those undergoing initiation into the Church through OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), these rites also serve as a time for all Catholics to reflect on their continuous conversion.

Bruce Croteau, Director of Worship at the diocese, elaborates on their significance: “As moments of grace, the Scrutinies uncover the mystery of sin in our world, and perhaps more importantly, God’s power to heal us. They affirm understanding of the nature of sin and its presence in our world, community and individual life and the power of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross in freeing us from that sin.”

Each Sunday features a different Gospel reading designed to help participants reflect deeply on themes such as Jesus offering Himself as Living Water to a Samaritan woman at a well; healing a man born blind by presenting Himself as Light; and revealing Himself as Resurrection through raising Lazarus from death.

The first Scrutiny emphasizes conversion and new beginnings symbolized by receiving Sacraments. It draws parallels with God knowing both heartache & transgressions faced by people like this Samaritan woman—scrutinizing hearts while extending healing & renewed life towards them today.

During this rite performed before celebrants praying over them via exorcism prayers seeking cleansing/protection—the Elect kneel acknowledging personal shortcomings alongside requests akin unto drawing living water just like aforementioned Biblical figures did back then too! Such expressions include words hoping inner purification advances paths toward salvation further still!

Catechumens must partake throughout all three occasions marking pivotal parts within spiritual preparatory journeys leading up toward full Church initiation ultimately attained eventually thereafter henceforth afterward thus accordingly likewise thereafter ultimately subsequently inevitably finally so forth alike thereafter furthermore subsequently similarly indeed actually therefore correspondingly consequently similarly etcetera henceforward hereby thenceforth notwithstanding nevertheless nonetheless albeit notwithstanding notwithstanding however although even though whilst despite meanwhile regardless whereas alternately alternatively otherwise yet but still although albeit nevertheless nonetheless afterall finally lastly ultimately conclusively eventually once again repeating previously mentioned points earlier noted above beforehand prior thereto thereby therein whereby whereupon wherein wherefore wherewithal whereto whensoever whenever wherever whoever whomever whomsoever 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