Q: During the Penitential Rite (Scrutiny) for Baptized but Uncatechized Adults, the rubrics (464) for the Greeting and Introduction make no mention of the Sign of the Cross and Greeting. Similarly, there is not an explicit mention of the inclusion of the Penitential Act, though the rubrics note that “A song may be sung that joyfully expresses faith in the mercy of God the Father.”
I suspect that the seeming omission two things may be oversights, since the first preference for this rite seems to be within the Celebration of the Word of God, and not Mass.
Perhaps you can shed some light on this. Thank you!
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A: Remember that the penitential rite was developed in the USA for the USA, so it doesn’t have the historical background that the scrutinies do. And it didn’t benefit from a thorough development along with other parts of the OCIA.
The creators of the rite probably looked at the scrutiny as a model, and, as you see in OCIA 150, the rubrics for the scrutiny begin with the readings.
I think you’re right that they preferred a liturgy of the word. That’s why a song is suggested at the beginning. Entrance antiphons properly belong to the Mass, and they probably thought a song would begin things well. So, outside Mass, no sign of the cross or penitential act to start the ceremony.
If celebrating this rite at Mass, you do use the normal parts of the introductory rites of the Mass, including the sign of the cross, greeting, penitential act, and the proper collect from the missal.