Academy High School Students and Teacher Initiated into the Catholic Church

In a beautiful display of the strength of faith within our Academy community, three high school students and a teacher were recently initiated into the Catholic Church. This sacred rite of passage, known as the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), marked a pivotal moment in their spiritual journeys, reflecting the deep-seated values and communal support nurtured at the Academy.

Sophia Hogarth ’26 and Ashlin Cannella ’24 received sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil at their respective parishes. For Hogarth, who received the sacraments of baptism, First Eucharist, and confirmation at Saint Timothy Catholic Church, the support of her sponsor and classmate, Sofia Genco ’26, underscored the bonds of friendship and shared beliefs that unite our students.

Cannella, under the sponsorship of her aunt, Alexa Quesnel, received the sacraments of First Eucharist and confirmation at Christ the King Catholic Church. Surrounded by family and friends, Cannella’s journey was a reflection of her commitment to her faith and the encouragement of her loved ones.

Reese MacDiarmid ’24 received her sacraments in November 2023, marking a significant milestone in her faith journey. “My parents and older sister decided to all become true Catholics together,” she explained. “Going through it as a family was a great experience. It bonded us and brought us closer to God.”

High school math teacher Mr. Robert Bishop received the sacrament of confirmation in May. Raised Baptist, he felt a profound need to unify his family under one faith, especially as he witnessed his daughter Caroline’s own religious education. “I felt like I wasn’t modeling the Catholic life appropriately,” Mr. Bishop shared. “In order to be a better father and leader of the faith, it wasn’t enough just to be a proponent of the faith; I needed to make that transition to the Catholic faith so the family is one cohesive unit.”

Cannella’s experience was significantly influenced by her family and her years spent at the Academy. “I started thinking more about becoming Catholic in my sophomore year,” she said. “I began truly believing that the Eucharist is the real body and blood of Christ. Peer ministry and the community of Catholic friends at the Academy also played a crucial role in inspiring me.”

Mr. Bishop’s journey was marked by moments of self-reflection and the desire to be a better role model for his children. “The Academy pushed me in that direction,” he said. “Being here, saying the prayers in the morning, going to Mass, and participating in the Catholic life helped bring everything into alignment.”

As these students and Mr. Bishop move forward in their faith journeys, they carry with them the lessons and experiences gained at the Academy. “I hope to become more of a participant in the church and keep growing a close relationship with God,” Cannella shared. MacDiarmid echoed this sentiment, expressing her desire to maintain a strong relationship with God in college and throughout life.

Mr. Bishop looks forward to being a leader of faith for his family. “My hope is to set the standard so my kids see the importance of faith. We go to Mass every Sunday, and I want to be an active participant in our faith journey.”

Their stories reflect the core values of the Academy, where faith, education, and community support come together to shape the lives of our students and teachers. As we celebrate their commitment and congratulate them on this momentous occasion, we are reminded of the transformative impact that a faith-centered education can have on our community.