Q: Another OCIA question. I’ve looked at the OCIA book at the Ephphatha Rite, trying to understand #104-105 and the options correctly to apply the Ephphatha Rite.

Can it not be used if the Handing on of the Creed is done after the 1st Scrutiny at a daily mass, just before they all recite the Creed, if done during the Period of Purification and Enlightenment?

I seem to see that it can only be done during the Period of the Catechumenate or at the Rites of Immediate Preparation, but not specifically during the Period of Purification and Enlightenment as part of the daily Mass as prescribed in #157-163.

Thank you again for your guidance. 
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A: Yes, that’s how I read it too. The ephphatha may be done during the period of the catechumenate or in the Rites of Immediate Preparation.

A little history here—the ephphatha was traditionally administered just before the recitation of the Creed in rites of immediate preparation for baptism. When the baptismal rites for children were revised after the Second Vatican Council, the ephphatha moved to a position AFTER baptism for infants. It made no sense to use it before their baptism, as if they themselves were about to profess faith. It moved afterwards in anticipation of the day when they would. That’s why the words are different for kids.

The reason it’s optional during the period of the catechumenate (OCIA 104-105) is that the revisers worried that they were putting too much into Lent. They wanted to give people the option of doing some of the rites earlier—including this one and the Handing On of the Creed and of the Lord’s Prayer. Traditionally, though, they all took place during Lent, and the ephphatha always just before baptism.

Please note that the elect do not recite the creed in the week after the first scrutiny. They receive it. Then after the ephphatha just before their baptism, they recite it.

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