Purification & Enlightenment

Third Stage: The Period of Purification & Enlightenment

This phase takes place during Lent, and is marked by three community celebrations known as "Scrutinies." During this period, the elect and the parish community together focus on conversion, scrutinize their lives in light of the gospel, and celebrate the presentations of the Creed and Lord's Prayer. These scrutinies coincide with the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent, and they ask God for healing and forgiveness of the elect.

Third Ritual Step:

This is the most important of all transitional Rites because it is when the elect are fully incorporated into Christ and the Church by Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. The elect become full members of the Body of Christ, the Church. From this time until the end of the period of mystagogy, they are known as neophytes, "new sprouts."