Holy Cross Students Receive Sacraments

On Saturday, March 30, at the 7 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass held at Holy Cross, the College community celebrated its first Easter student baptism. Before a gathering of 75 worshippers, O'Donavan Johnson '04 was baptized into the Catholic Church and received confirmation and Holy Eucharist to complete his initiation into the Church.

The ceremony began with a symbolic fire in the St. Joseph Memorial Plaza, followed by readings and song in the Mary Chapel, and the celebration of the sacraments in the St. Joseph Memorial Chapel. Rev. Gerry McKeon, S.J., presided.

Furthermore, on Sunday, April 21, Bishop Reilly of Worcester will baptize Jennifer Vuong '04 and confirm her along with 10 other Holy Cross students during the 10 p.m. Mass held in St. Joseph Chapel. The full list of students is as follows:

* Luz Colon-Rodriguez '05 - Holy Eucharist and confirmation * Abigail Ruettgers '03 - to become Catholic * Amanda Stagliano '04 - Holy Eucharist and confirmation * Jennifer Vuong '04 - baptism, Holy Eucharist and confirmation * Andrew Willis '04 - to become Catholic

The following students will receive confirmation:

* Meghan Barnes '04 * Laura Belhumeur '04 * Leticia Buonanno '04 * Jessica Greeley '03 * David Rancourt '04 * Kara Szczesny '04

About Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Sponsored by the Chaplains' Office

The RCIA is a one or two year process through which believers become full members of the Roman Catholic Church. During this faith journey, they are introduced to the beliefs, community life, liturgical worship and apostolic work of the Catholic Church. Full membership culminates in the celebration of initiation sacraments: baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

The RCIA is designed for those seeking baptism within the Roman Catholic Church. The process is also adapted for baptized Christians from other denominations who may be seeking membership in the Catholic Church. Baptized Catholics who are seeking confirmation are also welcome.