Purification and Enlightenment
Rites belonging to the Period of Purification and Enlightenment
The Scrutinies are for self-searching and repentance. They are for the unbaptized only.
They are celebrated on the third, fourth & fifth Sundays of Lent. The gospel readings used are those for year A: the Samaritan woman, the man born blind, and the raising of Lazarus.
If for some extraordinary reason, baptism is celebrated at a time other than Easter, the Scrutinies should still be celebrated beforehand, spaced appropriately.
During the season of Lent, the Church offers two presentations to the elect: the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. These are very ancient pre-baptismal rituals.
There is no physical presentation of either the Creed or the Lord’s prayer. They are passed from mouth to ear, heart to heart.