Enrollment in the Scapular

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We are giving the First Communicants in my parish brown scapulars. I would like our pastor at the end of the Mass to do a brief enrollment prayer. He is, however, not always patient with long additions to the Mass. So, can anyone tell me what is the shortest and most essenial enrollment formula?
 
The blessing and enrollment words (which don’t seem very long) can be found at this website: ewtn.com/library/PRAYER/BRWNSCAP.TXT

I think that the essential words for the enrollment are the following:

IN VIRTUE OF THE POWER GIVEN TO ME, I ADMIT YOU TO SHARE IN ALL THE SPIRITUAL GOODS WHICH THROUGH THE MERCIFUL ASSISTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST ARE PERFORMED BY THE RELIGIOUS OF MOUNT CARMEL. IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, + AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AMEN.
 
We are giving the First Communicants in my parish brown scapulars. I would like our pastor at the end of the Mass to do a brief enrollment prayer. He is, however, not always patient with long additions to the Mass.
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As part of either a Catholic school or a religious education program, if the time used for the enrollment ceremony is an issue, then it can be done at the school or PSR class following the actual First Communion day.

It is the custom for the priest who is actually enrolling the children (or any age person) to place the scapular over the head or over a shoulder of each person individually. That takes some time if it is a large class.

Nothing is lost by doing it afterwards and actually something can be gained by having this be a special event of dedication to the BVM by means of her scapular.
 
Kujayhawk,

Thanks for your advice. This brings up some other questions, though. Is it possible for the scapulars to be blessed and the children (who will wear them) enrolled BEFORE they are given to the children (and without the children being there at the time of the blessing/enrollment)?

Or, if they must be present for the blessing; can the parents place the scapular on their children and then the priest pray the enrollment prayer? Does every scapular need to be blessed with holy water?
I guess I am practicing a bit of “scapulosity” here with all of my scruples. :confused: But, I want it done right, and yet in an efficient manner.

If I were the priest, I would not mind taking the time to put the scapular on each child, but my pastor has 3 other First Communion masses (for 3 other parishes) that he has to rush off to. Though a fine priest, he is, by disposition, kind of a “let’s keep it simple” impatient guy (in the liturgy–less is more, etc.). He does not like to add many extra things brought into the Mass (even if I can see the beauty of it). I have to work with the pastor we have.

We could do it at religious education classes later, but, of course, I would not be able to ensure that every student was there… nor would I be able to ensure that the pastor could be there to do the enrollment.

Thoughts?
 
we have a first communion retreat, and ask the parents and sponsors to bring their gifts, including scapulars, to be blessed, and do the scapular enrollment at that time, after a very brief intro on its meaning. it helps that our whole parish gets a teaching on the scapular durin Advent as well.
 
When I made my First Communion, the priest gave us the scapulars during our CCD class, not during the actual Mass. We received the scapulars and he said the prayer for the enrollment at our class before the First Communion.
 
Thanks for your help all,

Unfortunately, we can’t do a post-First Communion retreat because most parents would not come once their child received their sacrament (sad, but true). And, I cannot guarantee that our pastor would be able to come to religious ed. classes at 3 different parishes. Oh well, I will do the best I can.
 
lak611 said:
When I made my First Communion, the priest gave us the scapulars during our CCD class, not during the actual Mass. We received the scapulars and he said the prayer for the enrollment at our class before the First Communion.
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I never got one at my First Communion. I recently got enrolled in the Brown scapular, but I lost it when going to a retreat. 😦 I am looking for another one - so far, I haven’t found any scapular at local stores - they all ran out.
 
A wonderful and most helpful aspect of these threads is what follows the last posting: A listing of similar threads.

Questions asked above are answered in one or more of the threads listed including who can enroll someone in the brown scapular, blessing, replacement etc.

For all the problems faced in getting a priest (or a deacon) to enroll children at First Communion time, I know of no reason that it has to be done immediately before or after. If the priest cannot do it as part of a class during the remainder of this school year, plan on a visit with enrollment in the brown scapular early in the next term. I would think that a parish priest - even in a mission parish - could visit classes now and then.

I know that 100% attendance at a class on the day of enrollment cannot be guaranteed - but we do what we can, pray for the best, and take care of whatever complications occur after they occur!
 
water said:
I never got one at my First Communion. I recently got enrolled in the Brown scapular, but I lost it when going to a retreat. 😦 I am looking for another one - so far, I haven’t found any scapular at local stores - they all ran out.
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If there is a Legion of Mary in your Diocese, get in touch with them. They seem to have an endless supply of Scapulars, medals, Rosaries, and pamphlets. I’m sure they would give you one for a small donation, or even for free. 🙂
 
jmcrae said:
If there is a Legion of Mary in your Diocese, get in touch with them. They seem to have an endless supply of Scapulars, medals, Rosaries, and pamphlets. I’m sure they would give you one for a small donation, or even for free. 🙂
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Good idea. I am a member of the Young Adult of Legion of Mary. 🙂 I will ask. I know we have rosaries and pamphlets, but I don’t know if we have Scapulars. Thanks!
 
I have a question in reference to "Enrollment (Investiture) of the Brown Scapular. I live in the Diocese of San Diego CA and I have asked two different Parish Priests where may I obtain this enrollment locally. One Priest responded “check the internet” and the other stated that he did not know.

I have a Brown Scapular and I will not wear it without receiving the proper Investiture and the associated blessing. This is why I am asking assistance through the members of this form for guidance as to where I may obtain the required Investiture and the Blessing locally.

I will appreciate any assistance that may be given and God Bless One and All.

Dennis
 
Dennis;

Any priest can do this. Simply give him the written ceremony, and he can just read it off the page. It takes about two minutes or so.
 
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