Editor’s Note: The Catholic Star Herald is following some of the faith journeys of those preparing to enter the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 19.
HADDONFIELD – Nicolas Stewart is on his way to entering fully into the Catholic Church, and he’s been inviting others along on the journey.
Last October, Stewart, a sophomore at Paul VI High School, asked fellow classmate Fabian Brown to a Sunday Mass.
“And I’ve been going ever since,” said Brown, who is also a sophomore.
Stewart’s twin sister, Juliet, agrees. “I wouldn’t be doing this if it weren’t for Nicolas.”
The three teens – all from Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Collingswood – are among a group of Paul VI classmates who have learned from and grown with each other on their way to receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation) at the upcoming Easter Vigil.
“It’s nice that we’re one group in this shared experience, pushing for the same goal,” noted Zachary Story, a junior who attends Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish in Glassboro.
Since last fall, the group of students – which includes sophomore Kevin Bunt and freshman Kelley McCallion, both from Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Haddonfield – have been spending every Wednesday homeroom period diving into the Catholic faith’s Scripture, tenets, history and important figures.
“We’re like a family, getting together every week,” Bunt said.
Two other Paul VI students, sophomore twin siblings Juliet and Mia Stansky, are taking classes at Church of the Holy Family, Sewell.
All eight attended the Diocese’s Rite of Election on March 9, publicly affirming their desire to become part of the Church.
“I was crying tears of joy,” said Father Philip Ramos, AM, Paul VI’s director of Catholic Identity.
Father Ramos and Sister Dianna Higgins, FMIJ, the school’s director of Campus Ministry, have guided the students through the OCIA process. They expressed gratitude for their pupils’ respective parish pastors and catechists, who not only have given their support, but helped with lesson plans.
“I’m edified that we have this group of young people who are interested in the faith,” Sister Dianna said, noting that the students’ intentions are “a real sign of hope that the Church is growing and that the faith matters to young people.”
McCallion, who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil on April 19, said being part of the OCIA program at the school “makes me feel welcome, bringing me into this new community, and motivating me to do more, and continue learning about the faith.”
He plans to keep participating in his school’s service to Joseph’s House of Camden, feeding the hungry and making blessing bags for cancer patients at local hospitals.
Juliet Stewart, too, has appreciated walking the faith path with “others who are feeling the same way.”
At the Rite of Election, joining Bishop Dennis Sullivan and nearly 200 catechumens “with the same values, wanting the same thing, just confirmed … how much the faith means to me. I’m trusting in this process, and letting it happen,” she continued.
For Story, too, the Rite of Election was an emotional day. “I remember hearing my name called, and walking up. That was special.”
Reflecting on the mentorship of Sister Dianna and Father Ramos, Story said he has appreciated “the small things they’ve done for me, such as pushing me to pray at least once a day. It’s all added up; they’ve helped me want to grow more in the faith.”
The Stansky sisters agreed that they are glad they are not alone in the OCIA process.
Mia Stansky said if she didn’t have the support of family, friends and Sister Dianna and Father Ramos, “I wouldn’t be doing this. The Holy Spirit is working.”
Taking part in classes as part of their regular school routine, as well, these catechumens help cultivate the school’s Catholic culture. “Some students have asked me how they can join the [OCIA] process, after learning about it from their friends,” Father Ramos said.
Dr. Lee DelleMonache, the Diocese of Camden’s director of religious education, praised Father Ramos, Sister Dianna, and the parish pastors and catechists for “cultivating, witnessing and giving testimony to the faith.” She is pleased to see the young Church motivated not only to learn the Catholic faith, but to share the fire that’s been burning in their hearts. “I’m thrilled that our young people are leading the way.
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