April 10, 2024
Nineteen St. John’s University students made their commitment to a life of faith by receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at St. Thomas More Church on Sunday, April 7, an uplifting conclusion to almost a year of study and reflection through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.).
“What an incredible blessing to have so many St. John’s students come forward this year seeking the sacraments of initiation,” noted Andrea Pinnavaia ’07C, ’08G, Campus Minister for Liturgy, Faith Formation, and Mission Communications, and Director of the student R.C.I.A. program. “Every year, we see more and more students who are seeking a deeper relationship with Christ. It’s a great joy to accompany them deeper into the mysteries of the Catholic faith. The initiation liturgy is a moment of renewal and inspiration for the entire University community.”
Focusing on prayer, study, and reflection, the R.C.I.A. process welcomes non-Catholics, and Catholics who may not have received some of the Sacraments of Initiation (e.g., Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) as children. Participants received those sacraments at the student Mass, which was presided by Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Octavio Cisneros, Diocese of Brooklyn, NY.
The R.C.I.A. process at St. John’s begins every September and continues through the Easter season. In collaboration with faculty from the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, community partners from the Diocese of Brooklyn and the Office of Campus Ministry, students and employees study all aspects of the Catholic faith at weekly gatherings.
“The heart of the program is around these weekly tables,” Ms. Pinnavaia noted. “Participants learn about what the Church teaches, ask burning questions, and share reflections on how God moves through their lives.”
Christopher Dean Rojo Avancena, Luis Andre Castro, Melanie Nicole Collado, Anne Myriam Elizabeth Jean Charles, Angelica Kusnowo, Angeline LaMonica, Joseph LaMonica, Luis Felipe Alcaraz Lopez, Anton Martinez, Tiffany Rose Muckian, Skylar Quinlan, and Amaya Santiago all received the sacrament of Confirmation.
Luciana Alicea, Richard Hollister, Joseph Conrad Huseman, Nicole Wagner, and Fiona Wilson received Confirmation and First Holy Communion.
Allison Kim and Angelina Montanez were initiated through Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion.
“Being a part of R.C.I.A. was a wonderful experience and one I wholeheartedly encourage those interested to take part in,” said Angelina Montanez, a first-year student majoring in Game Development and Emerging Media. “I wasn't sure what to expect at first since I didn't know much about the Catholic faith, but thanks to the guidance from Andrea and my sponsor, I'm glad I took the chance to learn more about this program. The timing of the program made it easy for me to complete and it was comforting to work at my own pace with people with similar interests. The entire process was very interesting and it was fun to be a part of this community.”
Melanie Collado, a Psychology major at St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, expressed a similar sentiment.
“I am tremendously grateful for the opportunity R.C.I.A. has given me,” she said. “I wholeheartedly believe God placed me here, and specifically right now because I can understand and appreciate my faith more than ever. I felt a deep calling to reconnect and strengthen my relationship with the church—a feeling I never felt before—and it brought me to St. Thomas More Church.”
She continued, “I had an excellent group of peers and teachers to guide me throughout this process. I looked forward to our meetings every week! I am so thankful for Campus Ministry. I feel truly blessed to have experienced and have been confirmed through R.C.I.A.”
For more information about joining the 2024–25 R.C.I.A. student program, contact Andrea Pinnavaia at [email protected].
Discover the Transformative Journey of Faith with St. John's University's RCIA Program
Interested employees and faculty members should contact Sr. Patricia Evanick, D.C. ’97GEd, Campus Minister for Faith Formation and Leadership, at [email protected].