WELCOME TO THE FAITH

The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Glenville celebrated the RCIA Sacraments of Initiation last month, welcoming two new Catholics into its parish family. Catechumen Kelly Benkoski, sponsored by Cindy Carter, received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist and candidate Bill Heilman, sponsored by his wife, Cathy, received the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist. Pattie Steeves, sponsored by Addolorata Pauze, completed her Sacraments of Initiation with the reception of Confirmation. When the pandemic forced churches to close and sacraments to be delayed in March, Immaculate Conception’s RCIA team continued via weekly Google Zoom sessions thanks to Sean Caron and Maria Morris-Groves. The Mass was celebrated by Father Jerry Gingras and it was evident that the Holy Spirit was among the participants that morning.

In the photos, Father Gingras baptizes catechumen Benkoski and administers the Sacrament of Confirmation to Steeves (below). — Kim Klementowski, RCIA coordinator, Church of the Immaculate Conception. (Julie Ashcroft photos)