Last Sunday, we celebrated the first scrutiny with our five elect – those in our parish preparing to be initiated into the Catholic Church at Easter. These scrutinies continue this and next weekend.
The scrutinies are a central ritual of this final period of purification and enlightenment prior to baptism. The Gospels of these Sundays are deeply tied to the scrutinies and the journey of faith – Jesus quenches thirst, enables us to see things as they truly are, and overcomes death. He does this for those he encountered, for each of us, and for our elect who approach the baptismal font.
The ritual of the scrutiny itself draws the elect, and each of us, into deeper conversion and encounter. The elect are called to reflect on the ways they can change their hearts even more deeply towards God. As a parish community, we support this healing and strengthening, both through our intercession and our own lived example of continuous conversion.
Published in our parish bulletin, Carmel, 15 March 2026
Title image: Book of the Elect and Baptismal Font in our church
Liturgy 