Third Sunday of Lent

Written by our Pastor, Fr. Juan Carlos Paguaga

Dear Friends, 

Blessings!

On February 22, all the parishes of the Archdiocese of Miami celebrated the Rite of Sending, a beautiful moment at the beginning of Lent. During this celebration, the parish community presents and sends its catechumens, those preparing for Baptism, to the Cathedral to meet the Archbishop. There, he presides over the Rite of Election (Enrollment of Names), and the catechumens are officially called “the Elect,” recognizing that God has called them to receive the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, at the Easter Vigil.

This moment fills the Church with joy because it reminds us that God continues to call hearts today and that the Church continues to grow as new members prepare to enter the life of faith.

This year St. Agnes Parish sent eight catechumens, a very generous number compared to previous years. Throughout the Archdiocese of Miami, approximately 936 Elect will receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation during the Easter Vigil. This weekend, during the 11:30 a.m. Mass, we will celebrate the First Scrutiny.

The First Scrutiny is one of three special rites celebrated during Lent for the Elect as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter. During this rite, the Church prays in a special way for them, asking God to strengthen them, purify their hearts, and free them from anything that could separate them from Christ. Through prayers of intercession and a prayer of exorcism, asking God to protect them from the power of sin and evil, the Church supports them in their journey of conversion.

The purpose of the Scrutinies is spiritual healing and growth, so that the Elect may open their hearts more fully to God’s grace as they prepare to receive the sacraments. In simple terms, the First Scrutiny is a moment when the whole Church prays for them, asking God to purify their hearts and strengthen their faith as they approach Easter.

Please keep our Elect in your prayers during this sacred time of preparation.

Fr. jc