Marvin Gomez of Melrose Park receives Catholic Sacraments

2015 May 12

The largest group of Lewis University students in more than a decade were confirmed this Spring. Auxiliary Bishop of Joliet Bishop Joseph Siegel, presided over their Confirmation Mass April 17 at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Lisle, Ill.

Melrose Park resident Marvin Gomez received a Catholic Sacrament.

"This is a significant step for these young adults as it represents a commitment to the life of faith and the Catholic Church in particular. They are clearly seeking a deeper presence of God in their lives," Father Dan Torson, CPPS, chaplain.

The 17 students met on Sunday nights for five weeks of the semester as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process. The preparation explored issues of adult faith within the Catholic Church with an emphasis on the Sacraments as essential to the adult faith journey. Weekly small group discussions allowed the candidates to hear and share their faith journeys and struggles as college students in the 21st century. Lewis University students and staff sponsors joined the candidates for the last three weeks of preparation.

The students who received confirmation include:

• Diego Avalos sponsored by Manserrat Martinez
• Melissa Churchill sponsored by Julio Lara
• Marissa Del Toro sponsored by Karina Ouzman (non-Lewis student)
• Patricia Fear sponsored by Katherine Chandler
• Meg Gabbard sponsored by Rachel Aubart
• Giselle Garcia sponsored by Catherine Lamlech
• Nicole Gibson sponsored by Jamie Palamkunnel
• Marvin Gomez sponsored by Joseph Preston, university minister
• David Gonzales (Lewis alumnus) sponsored by Anthony Uhlen
• Estefani Haro sponsored by Maria Flores
• Alexis Keaty sponsored by Kelly Grady
• Esmeralda Reveles sponsored by Alvaro Partida
• Graham Ritz sponsored by Nicholas Falese
• Agnes Rychtarczyk sponsored by Jessica Rapp
• Andrew Schulze sponsored by Franky Rodriguez
• Crystal Serrano sponsored by Kylie Walsh
• Kristen Silvey sponsored by Elizabeth Harris

On April 12, two additional ceremonies took place in the Sancta Alberta Chapel to initiate students into the Catholic Church with Father Torson presiding.

The Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist ceremony included Margaret Lippold sponsored by Robert Willems.

The Profession of Faith, Confirmation and Eucharist ceremony included:

• Alexandria Austring sponsored by Bridget Kay
• Theron Edwards sponsored by Alexander Stewart
• Colin Jecha sponsored by Catherine Lemlech
• Nicole O'Keefe sponsored by Erin Richards

Lewis University will offer preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation again during the next academic year. For more information, contact Father Daniel Torson, assistant professor of theology, at torsonda@lewisu.edu or (815) 836-5869.

Lewis University is a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,700 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The seventh largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.