At the Easter Vigil, a lit candle and a bright smile

“Once Mass started, I lit a candle, spread it around, and couldn’t stop smiling.”

This is how 19-year-old Vineland resident Janay Graham described her experience at Divine Mercy Parish’s Easter Vigil, when she received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Holy Eucharist, and joined the ranks of the faithful in the Catholic Church.

“I’m so blessed,” she said.

Janay and 74 other adults, and 35 youth aged 8-14 across the Diocese of Camden entered into full communion with the church on April 3, after diligent prayer and study through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

She was led to the faith through her boyfriend, Justin, and his family, as she witnessed their Catholic lives. 

“They looked like happy people, always smiling and positive. They taught me how to pray,” Janay says.

She also learned the meaning and importance of the adage that “a family that prays together, stays together.”

It was her boyfriend’s mother, who ultimately convinced Janay to join the RCIA at Divine Mercy, where she took classes from last September to the end of this past March.

After the evening where her emotions went from “nervous, to excited,” Janay said she is surrounded by witnesses for the faith, which includes her godparents, Jose Rodriguez and Star Martinez.

“We’re so close, they’re awesome,” she exclaimed.

“Star and I are honored to be her godparents; we’re so proud of what she’s accomplished,” said Rodriguez, who is director of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministries for the Diocese of Camden.

In seeing her excitement and “genuine yearning” to receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil, “Janay helped rekindle our own love for the church — she did more for us in one night, than we could possibly do for her.”

“We’re looking forward to a lifetime of love and fellowship together.”

Janay is counted among the flock, she is aware her journey is just starting. “I’m still learning (about the faith), every single day.”