Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
Nineteen St. John’s University students recently concluded their journey of faith by receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at St. Thomas More Church after almost a year of study and reflection through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.).
Andrea Pinnavaia, Campus Minister for Liturgy, Faith Formation, and Mission Communications, and Director of the student R.C.I.A. program, expressed her joy at the growing number of students seeking a deeper relationship with Christ. She stated, “What an incredible blessing to have so many St. John’s students come forward this year seeking the sacraments of initiation. 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.”
The R.C.I.A. process at St. John’s, which begins every September and continues through the Easter season, involves prayer, study, and reflection. Participants, including both non-Catholics and Catholics seeking to complete their sacraments, engage in weekly gatherings where they learn about the teachings of the Church, ask questions, and share reflections on their faith journey.
During the student Mass, presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Octavio Cisneros, Diocese of Brooklyn, NY, several students received different sacraments. Christopher Dean Rojo Avancena, Luis Andre Castro, Melanie Nicole Collado, and others were among those who received Confirmation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion, or Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion.
Angelina Montanez, a first-year student majoring in Game Development and Emerging Media, shared her positive experience with the R.C.I.A. program, saying, “Being a part of R.C.I.A. was a wonderful experience and one I wholeheartedly encourage those interested to take part in.” Melanie Collado, a Psychology major, also expressed her gratitude for the guidance and support she received during the program.
For those interested in joining the 2024–25 R.C.I.A. student program, contact Andrea Pinnavaia at [email protected] For employees and faculty members interested in participating, contact Sr. Patricia Evanick, D.C. ’97GEd, Campus Minister for Faith Formation and Leadership, at [email protected].
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