By Rory McNelley, Head Copy Editor

On Sunday, eight Xavier students were confirmed in the Catholic Church through the Center for Faith and Justice’s (CFJ) Magis Futures Program.

Magis Futures gives students who are baptized in the Christian tradition an opportunity to enter into Communion with the Catholic Church and receive their First Communion and confirmation.

“Magis Futures came out of a desire to share the Catholic faith with others on campus. This program has allowed students to receive catechesis as well as build their active listening skills through circle sharing in our large events,” Senior Campus Minister for Catholic Ministry and Magis Faculty Leader Devon James said.

Students who are seeking to receive their sacraments through the program receive student-led catechesis throughout the school year to prepare them for life in the Church. The candidates learn about prayer, fundamental Catholic theology and the how-tos of Catholic everyday life.

“To see students come out of the Magis Futures program completing their sacraments or entering into full communion with the Catholic Church has been a blessing to the Xavier community,” James said.

The Magis program also holds large group events to aid the candidates in connecting with the broader Catholic community on campus. Large group sessions feature reflection on things like the Lenten season and salvation history. These events are organized by the Magis team who leads the candidates through their catechesis.

“There was something incredible about walking with the candidates as they developed their faith this past year. Their curiosity and questions led me to learn even more about my faith and their excitement was inspiring,” senior Spanish and biomedical sciences major and Magis team member Rocco Giegerich said. “I could clearly see the Spirit moving through them which is a powerful sight to take in.”

After completing their preparation, the candidates were ready to receive their sacraments. Magis offers students the unique opportunity to do this alongside the Xavier community at the student-led 4 p.m. Mass.

“Confirmation is a process I wanted to take part in for a long time but due to a busy college schedule and so many other responsibilities I couldn’t sign up for conventional OCIA classes,” first-year exercise science major and confirmation candidate Logan Hudak said. “Hearing about Magis was a saving grace, it allowed me to get confirmed and with people I knew and loved from the community. It made my experience amazing, and the lessons really stuck.”

Two students were received into the Catholic Church from other faith traditions and received their First Communion. All eight were then confirmed in the Catholic Church.

This is the final sacrament of initiation where the candidate is sealed with the Holy Spirit and renews the promises he/she made at Baptism. The sacraments were administered by Fr. Eric Sundrup, Vice President for Mission and Ministry.