Q: I have a question about the Scrutinies in the OCIA.   

The rite indicates in #156 that after the dismissal of the elect,  and the celebration of the Eucharist begins, “…the Universal Prayer …begins immediately.  Then if required, the Creed is said, and the Preparation of the Gifts follows.”   Of course, it goes on to say that for pastoral reasons the Universal Prayer and Creed may be omitted.  However,  I have a pastor who is asking if he wants to do both, do they really intend that the Creed should follow the Universal Prayer?   And if so, can they omit the Universal Prayer, add intercession to the ones for the elect, and then go immediately into the Creed and Prep of Gifts after the dismissal?  

I have found this instruction odd and wondered if it was somehow a misprint?  I have regularly encouraged parishes to go ahead and omit the Universal Prayer and the Creed.  However, I have this request.   I would appreciate any insight you can provide on this.  

==

A: Here’s a previous post: https://paulturner.org/creed-and-scrutinies/

In my parishes, we have often done what you suggest: combine elements of the scrutiny intercessions with the universal prayer, dismiss the elect, and then proceed to the Creed and Preparation of the Gifts.

But if no one’s in a hurry, which is rare in the United States, then both sets of intentions have unique purposes and can be effectively offered separately.

View All Blog Posts | Explore Books | Submit a Blog Question | Share Post via Email