Welcome to our New Catholic Christians

We welcome those who received the three Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass, March 23: Thilini Ariyawqansa and Monali Ariyawansa who were batized, confirmed and received First Eucharist. Kristine Cisko, Dawn Gomes, Ed Gomes, Alice Jenkins; Edwin Rodriguez and Derek Wielage, already baptized, who were confirmed and received First Eucharist.

The eight neophytes have been preparing to become disciples of Jesus through the Catholic Church. They are fully aware that their call to the Catholic Family is much more than just a call to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days. Their reception of the Sacraments of Initiation unites them to the mission of the Church - - to build God’s kingdom. They have accepted the responsibility of turning outward in order to bring the Good News to those who have not heard it or cannot hear it. We welcome all of them to our faith family. May the sacraments that you receive at the Easter Vigil continue to fill you with the Spirit and give you the graces that you need to bring God’s Word to others. We are more because you have become a part of us!
 

Meet our New Catholic Christians

Thilini Ariyawansa...lives in Edison with her parents and sister. She is a Senior at J.P.Stevens high school. Her mother, a Catholic, brought her to Church regularly and now Thilini wants to become a member of our Catholic community. Through RCIA, she has learned what it really means to be a Catholic and how Jesus’ life is linked with her life. She hopes to continue to grow closer to God.

Monali Ariyawansa...lives in Edison with her parents and sister, Thilini. She is a sixth-grade student at John Adams Middle School in Edison. Having come to Church often with her mother, a baptized Catholic, Monali has decided that she, too, wants to be baptized. She has grown closer to Jesus by helping needy people. She hopes to follow God forever.

Kristine Cisko...lives in Metuchen with her husband, Michael. She is interested in travel and animal rescue. A baptized Catholic who was raised Lutheran, Krissy’s marriage to Michael brought her back into contact with the Catholic Church. Through the RCIA process, Krissy has learned about the teachings of Jesus and has grown closer to Him in her daily life. She would like to become more involved in the St. Francis Community.

Dawn Gomes...lives in South Plainfield with her husband, Ed and two children, Alexandra and Justin. Alex is a second-grade student at St. Francis. Dawn, a baptized Catholic, always wanted to receive her sacraments. Observing Alex’s joy in learning about Jesus gave Dawn the motivation to pursue fuller participation in the Church, through the Sacraments. Since beginning the RCIA process, she is able to talk to God and find peace in her heart.

Eduardo Gomes...lives in South Plainfield with his wife, Dawn and two children. He is interested in sports and travel. Ed came to the RCIA process to learn more about his Catholic faith and because he wanted to grow in faith as his
seven-year-old daughter Alex has grown in her faith. As a result, Ed can now feel God’s presence in his life. He wants to continue to learn about the Church.

Alice Jenkins...lives in Metuchen with her husband, Cliff, and their nephew, Jermaine, who attends St. Francis Cathedral School. She is interested in music, sports and traveling. Alice came to RCIA to learn more about God and to be more present to God. She has grown closer to Jesus through the Sunday teachings, through reading the Word of God and following His Word, and through the example of the community of faith. Alice hopes to work with music to bring young people back to the Church.

Edwin Rodriguez...lives in Edison with his wife, Olga, and daughters Jacqueline and Lissette. He is interested in reading and travel. A baptized Catholic, Edwin inquired about the RCIA process after visiting the Cathedral, where he experienced a sense of hope and peace. He has grown closer to Jesus in his journey and feels Jesus’comfort and guidance. He hopes to help bring more people into the Catholic Church.


Derek Wielage...lives in Metuchen and is engaged to be married in May, 2008. He enjoys basketball, cooking and reading. Derek became involved in the RCIA process because he is getting married in the Catholic Church and wants to come into full communion with the faith community. Derek believes that the RCIA process has allowed him to grow closer to Jesus and to realize the power of prayer. He hopes to continue to live the gospel and have a family that worships God together.