Six students completed the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and joined the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, April 28, at Our Lady of Angels Convent in Aston, Pennsylvania.
The students are Taylor Ayers, Kim Hesser, Jess Kazunas, Emily McDevitt, Josh McDevitt, and Ciara Montgomery.
“The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a program intended to provide those students who express a desire to be fully received into the Catholic Church, with preparation for the reception of the sacraments,” explained Patrick McKenzie, director of Campus Ministry at Neumann.
“During this academic year, six students requested to be part of the program offered here through the office of Campus Ministry. The candidates have spent countless hours in prayer, reflection, and service in preparation for the reception of their sacraments and are eager to share this moment with their families and the Neumann University community.”
Kim Hesser recalls her journey this way: “Before reconnecting with and growing my faith, to me, peace just meant no more violence. After going through the RCIA program, attending Mass every Sunday, and overall growing in my faith, I now know that peace is so much more … To me, it’s about being content in life and knowing that whatever life throws at you God will be there and bring peace.”
The Mass was officiated and the ceremony performed by Rev. Stephen D. Thorne, university chaplain.