April 8, 2020
Note: all images are from 2019 and/or previous years.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) always serves as a powerful reminder for the St. John’s University community that everyone is on a unique and special journey to discover God in their lives, whether they were born Catholic or were raised in another tradition. These journeys continue unabated, despite a worldwide pandemic.
Like every other instructional program at St. John’s, this year’s R.C.I.A. class transferred online when the University transitioned to a virtual workplace following the COVID-19 outbreak. Work continues, and candidates are eager to receive their sacraments, which traditionally occurs on Divine Mercy Sunday (the Sunday after Easter). Discussions are presently ongoing regarding when that will now occur; possibly at the beginning of next semester.
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.
Focusing on prayer, study, and reflection, the R.C.I.A. process welcomes non-Catholics, as well as Catholics who may not have received some of the Sacraments of Initiation, i.e., Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist, as children. The program is open to all St. John’s students, faculty, administrators, and staff.
Sr. Patricia Evanick, D.C., Campus Minister for Leadership and Catholic Formation and the R.C.I.A. moderator for employees at St. John’s, keeps in close touch with candidates through email and by phone. “I support them however I can,” she said, adding that during these unique and trying circumstances, she is prepared for questions like, “Why is God allowing this to happen?”
“In fact, it is just the opposite,” she stressed. “People are supporting each other and reaching out. They are grateful they and their families are healthy and pray for those who are sick—this shows how God is working. Everyone understands God is present.”
Rev. Tri Minh Duong, C.M., Campus Minister for the Staten Island, NY, campus, moderates the R.C.I.A. program there, and noted that many of the candidates he encounters are baptized Catholics looking to reconnect with their faith. “Often their colleagues will discuss God, the Church, and their faith, and they become curious and want to learn more.”
Fr. Duong is also using online platforms such as WebEx to continue instruction with his candidates. He was heartened by the response he received. “It has been so gratifying to see the eagerness and the willingness of these people to continue their studies. The commitment is still very strong.”
Rose Hanco, Assistant Director for Student Life on the Staten Island campus, is in Fr. Duong’s group. “I was baptized but never followed through with the remainder of my sacraments,” she said recently. “Our Catholic faith means a great deal to my father. After several conversations with Fr. Tri, I decided I wanted to commit myself fully to it.”
She added that her father was overjoyed to see her reconnect with her Catholic identity. “Fr. Tri has been wonderful answering our questions and continuing the instruction. I enjoy our small group tremendously. I feel connected to my faith, especially during such a difficult time.”
Jiyun Kim, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, joined the R.C.I.A. program after completing the Vincentian Mission Certificate (VMC) program, seeing it as a natural progression.
“The story of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton really inspired me in terms of her background, conversion, and service to teach poor children. Through my engagement in service activities during the VMC training, I decided to fully embrace the Catholic faith to deepen my spirituality and commitment to service.” She added, “This crisis we are living through during the Lenten period really brings home the message of Lent for me.”
“It has been enlightening to experience the next level of my faith this past year, and more importantly, to share it with people who are on a similar journey,” observed Communication Arts major Alexander Coger-Bonet.
“I joined R.C.I.A. with the hope that it would deepen my faith in God, and it has done just that,” expressed Julia Doody, a Biology major. “The weekly sessions give me a deeper meaning of what faith is and show me how much growth can come with Catholic living.”
She added, “While I am sad that we can no longer meet as a group and receive our sacraments during Easter as planned, I will do my best to continue connecting with God through our WebEx meetings, and I look forward to receiving the sacraments at a later time.”