The Rite of Acceptance and the Rite of Welcome: The Cross

By: Kathy Kuczka

The Cross is one of the most ancient symbols of Christianity. Crosses can be seen wherever we look. Crosses hang from rear-view mirrors, in bedrooms, and stand on faraway hills. They are made out of wood, gold and even palm branches. They adorn necks, ear lobes, fingers and wrists. Jewelers prize them and tourist vendors take stock in them. Because the cross has become so commonplace, the central meaning of the Cross can become obscured or taken for granted.

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Information about the Scrutinies

The Scrutinies are celebrated with catechumens on the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th Sundays of Lent. Here are links to some common questions and good articles that may help you as you plan.

Do we use Cycle A readings for all Masses even those where we don’t celebrate a scrutiny? Answer: https://paulturner.org/scrutinies-and-homilies/

Here is a link to an in-depth article written by Fr. Turner about the Scrutinies https://paulturner.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/scrutinies1.htm

Finally, here is a link to a concise article about the Scrutinies from Team RCIA http://teamrcia.com/2018/02/how-to-celebrate-the-scrutinies-without-scaring-the-catechumens/

RCIA Self Assessment Tool

RCIA How Are We Doing A Self Assessment Tool published by RCL/Benziger is a great resource for RCIA teams. The set of reproducible blackline masters provide an overview of each period and rite followed by relevant evaluation questions that help RCIA leaders and teams to identify strengths and weaknesses in specific areas. The well constructed evaluation questions lead the evaluator to a greater understanding of the RCIA.