by Michael Rizzo
JAMAICA — One baptism, five first Communions, and 13 confirmations marked the sacred rites that were celebrated on April 12 for the 13 St. John’s University students who had completed the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and were fully initiated into the Church.
Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Octavio Cisneros celebrated the 5:30 p.m. Mass, attended by about 250 people, at the university’s St. Thomas More Church on its Jamaica campus. It was the 17th year that Bishop Cisneros administered the sacred rites to catechumens there.
OCIA students spend a year of study and reflection at St. John’s on the Catholic faith before receiving their sacraments.
The initiation takes place at St. John’s University on the Sunday after Easter rather than at the school’s Easter Vigil Mass because many students leave campus for the university’s Easter break.
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Isaac Contreras, 19, was the sole catechumen to be confirmed, receive first Communion, and be baptized. Four other students joined Contreras in receiving Communion for the first time at the Mass.
The Corona native, who grew up worshipping at a non-denominational Protestant church, said he identified with St. Augustine’s own struggles in following Christianity until he discovered Catholicism. Now, he said he wants to put his faith into action.
“I hope to continue living a life that pleases Christ. I want to inspire those around me to understand that,” explained Contreras, who plans to attend St. Leo the Great Church in Corona. “God is not just the God of the privileged. He is for everyone. I want to take God everywhere I go with me.”
Richard Perez, a 20-year-old senior from Holy Child Parish in Richmond Hill, was among the 12 other OCIA students confirmed. Perez received his first Communion 13 years ago, but it was in 2025 that he felt the call to go “full in” on Catholicism.
“I believe that the Church is the gift that Jesus left for us 2,000 years ago. This is basically a hospital for our souls, and that resonates with me so much,” he said. “There’s a beauty to it that I can’t get out of anything else in my life.”
Perez said the traditions of the Church, especially seeing them in the funeral rites for his grandmother, helped him re-embrace the faith.
“Tradition shapes everything,” he added. “There are all historical reasons that shape the traditions we have today, and it’s beautiful.” Perez also noted his hope to join the Knights of Columbus and get more involved with other young people at his parish.
Sister Pat Evanick is the moderator of the OCIA for St. John’s students. In a break while preparing the Candidates for the Mass, she remarked how they inspired her.
“I think their dedication is always inspiring to me,” Sister Pat said. “Listening to their stories of faith — that’s always the biggest blessing.”
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After receiving Communion, Contreras was among several students who were visibly emotional.
“Ever since the beginning of my studies, the one thing that stood out was the Eucharist. And every Mass I’ve ever attended, it’s been my only desire to be able to participate at the Lord’s table,” he said. “Then they got to Communion, and it just all hit me knowing, not that I’m worthy, but that I’m able finally (to receive).”
The 13 students who received confirmation were Valery Alvarez, John Eikamp, Kimberly Luna, Dinabel Lhersion, Ivana Martinez, Mariajose Moreno-Mahecha, Richard Perez, Haley Vasquez, Lucas Ashby, Roman Belizaire, Shanell Duran, Jomarson Milien, and Isaac Contreras.
In addition to Contreras, Ashby, Belizaire, Duran, and Milien also received Communion.
When Mass ended, Cesar Vasquez, who with his family attends Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in South Ozone Park, was beaming with pride for his daughter Haley, an 18-year-old freshman, who had just been confirmed.
“She took the initiative on her own to do this,” he said. “She really wanted to do it and complete all her sacraments. I’m proud to see that she’s turning out to be a well-rounded individual, both intellectually and spiritually.”
