Catholic Central’s Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) students reached an important step in their preparation today, celebrating their scrutinies as they continue toward receiving the Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter season.

This year, 31 students are participating in the program, the largest group to date.

The scrutinies are a series of rites for those preparing for baptism and are typically celebrated during the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent. This stage of the process, referred to by the Church as the “period of purification and enlightenment,” focuses on reflection and preparation in the weeks leading up to the sacraments.

The celebration also gave the school community an opportunity to support the students, with classmates offering prayers for them during this stage of their journey.

Earlier this year, the students participated in the Rite of Acceptance and Welcome at an all-school Mass in December and the Rite of Election at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in mid-February.

They will receive the Sacraments of Initiation during an all-school Easter Mass at Catholic Central.