R.C.I.A. Offers a Life of Faith

Twenty-one St. John’s University students and employees made their commitment to a life of faith by receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at St. Thomas More Church on Sunday, April 23. It was an uplifting conclusion to eight months of study and reflection through the Rite of Christian Initiation (R.C.I.A.).

“R.C.I.A. has transformed the way I think, talk, and act in more than just my spirituality, but in every aspect of my life,” said Paul O’Beirne ’19TCB.

Focusing on prayer, study, and reflection, the R.C.I.A. process welcomes nonCatholics, as well as Catholics who may not have received some of the Sacraments of Initiation as children. Participants received the Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist—at the 5:30 p.m. student Mass. Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros of the Diocese of Brooklyn presided at the liturgy.

“Witnessing this liturgy is such an inspirational moment for me,” noted Dennis Gallagher, Director of R.C.I.A. and Liturgy and Faith Formation. “It celebrates and renews the faith of everyone in attendance. It is a wonderful reminder of the beauty of community, and how it reflects the generosity and love of God.”

 Spencer Fleming ’20CPS, a student in the College of Professional Studies, was moved by the experience. “R.C.I.A. allowed me to get in touch with my faith at an extreme level and taught me so much about the Catholic Church and myself.”

The R.C.I.A. process at St. John’s begins every September and continues through Easter. Through collaboration with faculty from the Department of Theology and Religious Studies and the Office of Campus Ministry, students and employees study all aspects of the Catholic faith at weekly gatherings.

“All my life I’ve been raised Catholic, but since I hadn’t received my First Communion or Confirmation, I felt like something was missing,” said Rachel Denise Fondeur ’20C. “In the R.C.I.A. program, I’ve learned so many wonderful new things about Christianity and God. I truly feel blessed to have been part of this process.”

The following R.C.I.A. students and employees received the sacraments on April 23: Gabriela Andrade ’20CPS; Desiree Ashley Avila ’17CPS; Derrell J. Bouknight ’19CPS; Rudina Cocoli ’21P; Spencer Fleming ’20CPS; Rachel Denise Fondeur ’20C; Raven Skye Jackson ’20C; Larissa Kukapa ’19CPS; Luke Jacob Lorenzini ’19TCB; Judith F. Mangione, Ph.D.; Paul O’Beirne ’19TCB; Gianlucca V. Carlin Oriundo ’20CPS; Sergio Osorio ’18C; Josh Rickard, Ph.D.; Michael R. Sampson, Ph.D.; Angel Miguel Santos ’17CPS; Michael Sugamele ’17CPS; Samantha Kiana Tagle ’17C; Atemkeng Tazi ’19CPS; Brittany Tucci ’17CPS; and Hector Vera Zambrano ’20TCB.

“During the R.C.I.A. process, it was amazing to see a group of students and faculty members take the time to deepen their faith and relationship with God,” said Derrell J. Bouknight ’19CPS. “Now, everything feels complete.  The process I’ve longed to do has finally ended, and I’m excited to have the title of ‘Catholic.’”

For more information about the 2017–2018 R.C.I.A. program on the Queens campus, contact Dennis Gallagher at 718-990-2125 or gallagd1@stjohns.edu. On the Staten Island campus, contact Stephen DeBlasio at 718-390-4473; deblasis@stjohns.edu.