17 USD Students Complete RCIA/Confirmation, Celebrate at Masses

For the past two Sunday at 7 p.m. Masses in Founders Chapel a special celebration has taken place to recognize the deepening faith formation of 17 University of San Diego students.

On April 28, six females, including one USD alumna, completed their academic year-long Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program to solidify their commitment. By taking part in the Sacraments of Christian Initiation, two participants, USD junior Kaia Hubbard and alumna Courtney Ochi, were baptized, received Confirmation and the Eucharist for the first time at last week's Mass. Four additional students — Julia Somera, Allison Bennett, Monique Lopez and Mika Unebasami — received Confirmation and the Eucharist.

On May 5, another 11 students — Travis Loranger, Daniel J. Acevedo, Rachel Shellstrom, Christopher Colandene II, Anthony Mejia, Chinazom Enenwali, Clayton Cervantes, Alfraib Ibarra, Christopher Andrada, Bethany Bellay and Gloria Sandoval received the Sacrament of Confirmation. These 11 students have participated in the Confirmation program through University Ministry during the Spring 2019 semester.

All 17 program participants have been led through this process by USD Chaplain and USD alumnus Rev. Robert Capone. Last week, Capone presided over the Sunday Mass proceedings. On May 5, the San Diego Catholic Diocese’s Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan, also a USD alumnus, presided over the Sacrament of Confirmation. Both celebrations took place during the middle portion of Mass.

All 17 students were supported by family, friends and each had a sponsor alongside them as they took part in the celebrations at Mass. Each participant’s sponsor provides guidance and support during the preparation process as well as the encouragement to continue to grow in faith afterward.

The RCIA and Confirmation programs are designed not only to prepare participants for the Sacraments, but to help them develop a deeper relationship with God. The process includes retreats, service projects, and opportunities for one-on-one discernment meetings with the RCIA director.

The RCIA process and Confirmation Faith Formation program at USD are specifically designed for USD students, faculty, and staff. For more information about either program at USD, please contact Rev. Capone by email at: rcapone@sandiego.edu or call him at 619-260-7419.