Lent is a busy time for pastors, but also an exciting time as people mark their personal conversion in public ritual. I particularly enjoy celebrating the rituals connected with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). There’s a real drama to these liturgies, especially the rite of “scrutinies.” On the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent, “the elect” (i. e., those soon to be baptized) are asked to reflect and pray with the gospel stories from St. John, about water, light and new life. The elect stand before the congregation, and the whole parish prays for them to be strengthened, and to be delivered from the power of sin and of Satan. I can tell you from personal experience that this “exorcism” prayer is a powerful moment.

It’s my privilege as a pastor—and as host of American Catholic Radio (ACR) and other Franciscan Radio features—to make these rites come alive for my parishioners and our listeners. Currently, we’re running a three-part series on ACR explaining the themes and symbolism of the rite of scrutinies. Liturgy professor Father Tom Richstatter, O.F.M., will visit with John Feister on Exploring Our Faith.

Judy Zarick continues her interviews on Living Faith with those involved in the experience of conversion.

Our Lenten Radio Retreat and Sunday Soundbites also offer ways to make the Lenten season come alive for your listeners. Help us to help you by letting me know of features and interview topics you believe would help your Catholic radio ministry. We would love to hear from you!

Father Greg Friedman, O.F.M.

Use the links below to preview the shows or download them in MP3 format for broadcast.

Highlights from this episode include:

Mother Henriette Delille.

Jonathan Bennett, the son of an evangelical United Methodist minister, came into the Catholic Church in 2004. He’s now teaching religion at a Catholic high school in Ohio.

Why isn’t St. Joan’s feast included on the General Roman Calendar? Why is white worn for the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist and marriage?

“Scapegoat” written and read by Dr. Sarah Melcher.

Father Tom Richstatter, O.F.M., talks about the rite of scrutinies (Part I).

Highlights from this episode include:

St. Francis de Sales.

Jennifer Fulwiler is a convert to Catholicism from atheism. After experiencing the birth of her first child, she began to examine her atheism and what she wanted to pass on. Through much soul-searching and blogging, she realized that she couldn’t deny God.

How does the Church view the Crusades, and who was more to blame—Catholics or Muslims? Would God ever test humans by telling us to kill someone? Is it true that the Church penalizes illegitimate children?

“Exodus” read by Kimberly Hahn, from Journey Through Scripture: Genesis to Jesus.

Father Tom Richstatter, O.F.M., talks about the rite of scrutinies (Part II).