Saint Anthony of Padua R.C. Church
Beautiful Rocky Point, NY
Love one another as I have loved you.
R.C.I.A
The R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), is for people who want either to learn about Catholics or become Catholic. If you are in an interfaith marriage and are already actively involved in a church of a different denomination, you may want to understand your family’s Catholic faith better. If you are not connected to any faith community, you are most welcome to inquire with us. If after preparation you decide to become Catholic, you will be formally accepted in a solemn celebration at Easter.
If you would like further information, please call Sr. Jo Olimpieri (744-2609) in the Rectory.
2005 RCIA
2006 RCIA
Reflections by the 2006 RCIA Members
As to be expected, when I was standing in the back of the Church, in the darkness, I was very nervous, anxious and excited. I had been preparing for this moment for the past seven months! I thought to myself: was I ready? Then the Easter fire was lit and I felt warm and relaxed. Walking down the aisle I became more and more peaceful. I was so happy that I was finally going to part of something I had been missing out on my whole life – the Church! At the same time I was so very thankful for what I was finally coming into and yet nervous about so much that I still have to learn. The Easter Vigil was wonderful. It has made me more complete as a person.
~ Danielle Castillo
The process of coming into full communion in the Catholic Church has been a very important growth period for me. I have really been given the chance to reflect on what is truly important in my life and I feel as if I now have much more guidance. Most pronounced is how I feel about things beyond my control. I have come to believe that as long as I have my faith, my burden is less. All I need to do is pray and seek God’s help. I have a new found sense of peace in my life.
~ Cara Vassallo
I was baptized Lutheran as a baby, and although I went to church throughout my life, it was never really consistent. Due to that fact I never celebrated my Communion or Confirmation. While doing paperwork for my daughter’s religion classes I was speaking with Sister Phylis about my daughter’s First Communion and how I felt about not having made mine. She told me about the RCIA sessions and if I was interested Sister would pass the information to Sister Pat. Sister Pat then called me. I am so grateful to them both for helping me to take that first step.
The past nine months have been a wonderful experience. I have learned so much and met so many wonderful people. I looked forward to class each week and “Breaking Open the Word” on Sundays. Everyone had something to share and we all learned from each other.
I want to thank everyone who participated along the way including all of the members of this parish who prayed for us along the way and shared the special celebration of the Easter Vigil. Thank you Sr. Phylis, Father Richard, Deacon Jim, Mike, Chris and John. Thank you Bob, and the others who offered their time as sponsors and mentors, and those who were part of Breaking Open the Word. A special thanks to Sr. Pat who made the whole process a wonderful experience that I will always remember. And last, but not least, thank you God for all of these blessings.
~ Debbie Coto
Reflections by the 2005 RCIA Members
I had been considering becoming Catholic ever since I met my husband nine years ago. We had talked about how important it would be for us to raise a family with the same religious beliefs, so I decided to contact St. Anthony’s about joining the RCIA.
It has been a terrific, uplifting experience and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I feel as though each part of the process has been a gift and I feel so blest to have gotten to known everyone that was involved. We were made to feel so welcome and I’ve enjoyed getting to know all the other RCIA members and sponsors. We’re like a family now! Another gift I feel I have been blest with during this whole process is the wonderful, special bond I now have with my sponsor. I believe we were meant to meet and become friends. What a delightful woman!
The event that was the most joyous and moving for me was the Easter Vigil. That is when I truly felt a part of the St. Anthony’s community. And what a wonderful feeling that is!
~ Amy Muller
I decided to enter the Catholic Church because for many years I would go to Church with my wife Caroline and I would feel as though I wasn’t a part of the Mass. Then, last September, I saw the RCIA listed in the Church bulletin and felt it was time to take the next step. I then contacted the Parish, met with Sister Pat, and began my journey with the Catholic faith. It was most enjoyable and interesting. I celebrated Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil!
~ Greg Kush
My decision to become a Catholic was initiated when my family and I moved to Rocky Point. I was moved by the power of the Holy Spirit to start the process of converting to become a Catholic. I was especially moved by the Easter Vigil. It was an awakening of my faith that I shall never forget! The whole process of becoming a Catholic, from the first months as an Inquirer to the last days of Mystagogy, was powerful. I would like to thank Sr. Pat, Father Richard, all the Sponsors involved in the RCIA and the “Breaking Open of the Word” Team. I would also like to thank those who journeyed with me and have become “Will BE” Disciples of Christ.
~ Bob Heslar
Even as a child, I’ve always admired the Catholic Religion. Growing up however, and even as a young adult, I never had the support to pursue my interest. Then, when I least expected it, I met my husband Anthony who is a devout Catholic. Shortly thereafter we started going to Church as a family where I realized that the Church was good for me and my family.
In 2001 we became parishioners of St. Anthony’s parish. About three years later I met Sister Pat and knew for sure I wanted to join the RCIA program. Sister and the RCIA Team made the whole transition of becoming a Catholic a wonderful experience. There are no words to fully express the gratitude I have. The months that I have spent in the RCIA have been truly a great learning experience. I always looked forward to our weekly meetings.
Everyone has really been terrific. Dot, my Sponsor, has become an important part of my life. Father Richard, Chris, Deacon Jim and John have also played incredible roles for which I am truly grateful. The people in our group are so nice and the relationships we’ve made are memories for life.
Ten years ago, if someone told me I would be this happy as a member of the parish, I would have said they were crazy. I never thought I would learn so much about the Catholic faith. Sr. Pat has really made each and everyone of us in this program feel like an important part of the Church.
~ Gwen Ziccardi
