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Caldwell, N.J., May 11, 2017–The university’s Campus Ministry office held a prayer service and blessing May 2 for the students who received their sacraments during the Easter season after they had prepared through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program.

Karla Ventura and Allison Eglow were initiated in the Catholic Church, receiving Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation.  Brooke McPherson came into full communion in the Church, receiving her confirmation.

Ventura and McPherson were instructed this academic year by Theology professor Christopher Cimorelli, Ph.D., who coordinated the university’s RCIA program.  Dr. Cimorelli said that he was happy to be able to walk with the students in their journey, “fostering an engagement with the truths of the Catholic faith, as they grew in their own faith and personal relationship with God and the Church.”

Ventura was inspired to pursue initiation two years ago after the Director of the Educational Opportunity Fund program, Andrei St. Felix, told her about the program on campus. “I thought it was the perfect time in my life to start my journey for initiation.” Ventura is grateful for “the privilege” of having been able to work with Caldwell’s former Chaplain, Father Al Berner, and Dr. Cimorelli at the start of this wonderful journey in her life.

McPherson decided to pursue the RCIA program after hearing about it through a freshman retreat early on in the school year. “I had always toyed with the idea of returning to the Church to receive Confirmation, but it wasn’t until I came to Caldwell that I finally had the guidance and support I needed to go through with it.” The RCIA program was an enlightening and positive experience for her. “I am so blessed that I was given the opportunity to grow in my faith and relationship with God under the guidance of such a welcoming program.”

Eglow went through the RCIA process at Saint Philomena’s in Livingston with the guidance of Father Francisco Cordeiro Mendonca.“When I first walked into the church November of 2015, I knew that becoming Catholic was definitely what I wanted. Having my sponsor, my godparents, and of course my mother with me through this journey has been amazing,” said Eglow.  She is grateful to Father Francisco from St. Phil’s and all the members of her RCIA class.