April 26, 2012 | Issue 2 | Vol. 4 www.olgcnj.org The <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Counsel</strong> Courier | 15
16 | The <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Counsel</strong> Courier Vol. 4 | Issue 2 | April 26, 2012 www.olgcnj.org Congratulations and <strong>Welcome</strong> to the Church By Jane McCorkell At the Easter Vigil Mass six adults entered into the Catholic faith. We would like to welcome: Laura Altobelli, Jackie Cross, Jeffrey Gueiss, Jennifer Juice, Alicia Lee, and Wendy Mullen. We are excited to have them join us at the Table <strong>of</strong> The Lord. Two adults, Angeline Masishin and James Venito received the sacrament <strong>of</strong> confirmation along with our young teens: Dante Figureroa, Christine Kirmsse, John Scanlan, Kathryn Tsai, and Ian Verdon. The Easter Vigil wasn’t complete until we heard the waters <strong>of</strong> baptism flowing when Anjelina Figueroa, Marissa Lance and Colin Thomas were baptized into our faith. We completed the sacraments when Samuel Scanlan received his first Eucharist. <strong>Our</strong> parish would like to thank the catechists who spent many hours with tender care giving their time and talents to see these candidates to the Easter Vigil: Terry DiBlasio, Terry Wiebalck, Kristen Seltzer, Annemarie Brownmiller, JoAnne Campbell, Linda Dix, Jane McCorkell, Susan and John Scanlon. Guess speakers were so important to our process and provided outstanding presentations: Father Damian, Father Jim, <strong>Deacon</strong> Jim Grogan, and Richard Lohkamp. <strong>Deacon</strong> Dave Papuga and Father Jim presided over our special rites in the evening and we thank them for providing a welcoming atmosphere. <strong>Our</strong> hospitality following the Vigil was directed by Sharon Brdlik who did an outstanding job providing refreshments after a long Mass. Thank you to all our bakers who are so faithful in providing a bountiful table <strong>of</strong> delights. A special thank you to the choir, under the direction <strong>of</strong> Mr. Steve Lucasi , who provided original music each week at the 10:30 Mass as the candidates were dismissed to go to Heritage House to reflect on the readings <strong>of</strong> the day. Following are a few reflections by our new Catholics on their journey through the RCIA Dr. Jennifer Juice MD: “The RCIA process has been a huge blessing! It has ultimately strengthened my relationship with God and has helped me find peace and joy in my life. It has also given me the privilege <strong>of</strong> meeting so many wonderful people, who with I will always share a special Left to right first row: Alicia Lee, Laura Altobelli, Jennifer Juice and Jackie Cross. Left to right second row: James Venito, Angeline Masishin, Wendy Mullen and Jeffrey Gueuss. bond”. Alicia Lee “I have been attending Mass every Sunday and have thought about becoming Catholic but I just didn’t know how or when this was going to happen. I spoke with a friend who mentioned taking RCIA classes. At the time I found out I was expecting a baby boy and realized that this was my calling from God, my chance to become what I’ve been practicing and to raise our family in the same way. It has been one <strong>of</strong> the best decisions I’ve made and has changed the way I go about my daily life. I find myself praying more each day and on a deeper level and it helps me find peace in my life. The RCIA team here is amazing and so supportive, same with the other candidates, it’s like having another family”. Jeff Gueiss said “I had contemplated RCIA in the past but never experienced a defining moment that would move me to conversion. My wife had grown up in the Catholic Church and attended parochial school, we were married in the Catholic Church, and our children were baptized Catholic. After much contemplation last year, we decided to enroll our children Hannah and Harrison into OLGC School. This was an important year because they received two sacraments: Penance and First Communion. The defining moment came to me during my daughters’ First Holy Communion; I was so emotionally moved when I witnessed her receiving the Eucharist for the first time. Then it hit me—this was the moment that I had been waiting 16 years for! I immediately enrolled in the RCIA process. This has truly changed my life in every way imaginable. I have found the peace that comes with daily prayer. I feel that I am truly trying to live my life as a disciple <strong>of</strong> Christ. The catechists are amazing, the process has been life changing, and most <strong>of</strong> all – I look forward to the Easter Vigil when I receive my First Communion and Confirmation. Then I can truly say, “I am a Catholic.” Laura Altobelli said, “I wanted to join OLGC to share in the faith <strong>of</strong> my husband, Jerry, and to raise our son Ryan Catholic. I have attended services at many houses <strong>of</strong> worship but felt for years that something was missing from my life. I finally feel at peace and that I have come home.” Jackie Cross reflection on her time in the RCIA stated that “she have been to many different churches, but always felt like a visitor and never a participant. In the Catholic Church I finally feel that I belong to the Body <strong>of</strong> Christ and can worship and serve the Lord in the way He has called me. <strong>Our</strong> two adults, James and Angeline who were preparing for the sacrament <strong>of</strong> confirmation, sat in on the teaching aspect <strong>of</strong> our sessions and would like to share their reflections about their experience in the short time they were with us. Angeline Masishin reflects, “Becoming part <strong>of</strong> the confirmation program at <strong>Our</strong> <strong>Lady</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Counsel</strong>’s parish has been an inspirational experience. The warmth and welcome by all made an environment that fostered learning, growth and understand. I am truly excited to be confirmed and to continue my spiritual journey”. James Venito adds his thoughts, “I attended OLGC through 5th grade and to return as an adult has truly been an awakening experience. Being a part <strong>of</strong> the confirmation prep has created a desire to become a more active member <strong>of</strong> the church, as well as an urge to further develop my spiritual growth and understanding. I look forward to many rewarding years as a member <strong>of</strong> the OLGC community. If you know <strong>of</strong> someone who would like to complete their sacraments or to enter the Catholic faith please contact Jane McCorkell at 235-2374 or email mccorkellj@olgcnj.org
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