Q: Thank you for all your wonderful insights. In my parish we have four children of catechetical age in the RCIA process. Our Canadian ritual book suggests that they need to participate in one scrutiny. Is this absolutely necessary? Can it be eliminated for pastoral reasons? Many thanks,
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A: “Absolutely necessary”? Well, no, if you’re asking about the validity of the forthcoming baptism. But the RCIA does expect that children will celebrate at least one scrutiny if not two during Lent. These have their own “pastoral reasons” for the spiritual welfare of the children.