1st Scrutiny

1st Scrutiny - on the 3rd Sunday of Lent

Focus: We thirst for Jesus who is our living water. Though we often turn to other things to satisfy our thirst, Jesus is the only one who can fully satisfy us.

Scripture: The Woman at the Well (John 4:3-42)

Guide for the 1st Scrutiny

When: 3rd Sunday of Lent

(If your parish is coming to the rite of election on the 3rd Sunday, the scrutiny can be celebrated during the week)

RCIA Book: 160-166

"Grant these catechumens, who, like the woman of Samaria, thirst for living water, may turn to the Lord as they hear his word and acknowledge their sins and weaknesses that weigh them down." -RCIA, 164

Presentation of the Creed

The elect are presented with the Creed which proclaims the wonderful deeds God has done for us. They are asked to commit it to memory to recite it on the day of their Baptism.

When: The third week of Lent. After the 1st Scrutiny. It can be during a week day Mass.

RCIA Book: 134-136, 144-149

"My dear friends, listen carefully to the words of that faith by which you will be justified. The words are few, but the mysteries they contain are great. Receive them with a sincere heart and be faithful to them." -RCIA, 147

Who/What is...

Samaria - the ancient, historic, Biblical name used for the central region of the Land of Israel, bordered by Judea to the south and Galilee to the north.

Jacob's Well - the well that Jacob made; located in today's West Bank

Samaritans - They are the descendants of northern Israelite tribes who were not deported by the Assyrian Empire (northern Mesopotamia) after the destruction of the Kingdom of Israel (northern kingdom). They intermarried with people from 5 cities of the Assyrian Empire -- mainly from Syria and Mesopotamia.

• The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim, and settled them in the cities of Samaria in place of the Israelites. They took possession of Samaria and dwelt in its cities. - 2 Kings 17:24