Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi American National Catholic Church Marks Pentecost with Joy-Filled Teen Con

GLEN RIDGE, NJ — June 9, 2025 — A blaze of red vestments and the soaring strains of “Come, Holy Ghost” filled the Cathedral Church of St. Francis of Assisi on Pentecost Sunday as the American National Catholic community gathered to celebrate one of the Church’s most sacred feasts. In a spirit of joy and reverence, eight teenagers were welcomed into full membership in the Church through the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop George R. Lucey, FCM, and concelebrants were Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Reyes, Chancellor and Associate Pastor of St. Francis, Rev. Fr. Seamus Campbell, and Rev. Fr. John Jakubowski, co-pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus ANCC in Kearny, NJ.

The confirmands, all parishioners who spent the past year in the cathedral’s Sacramental Formation Program, processed into the sanctuary beside their sponsors, accompanied by joyful applause and song from a packed congregation of family, friends, and parishioners.

Completing the Journey of Initiation

For four of the confirmands, the celebration marked the completion of all the Church’s rites of initiation. Having previously received First Penance and First Holy Communion, they now stood ready to be sealed with the Holy Spirit in Confirmation — completing their sacramental journey of belonging to the Catholic faith.

“Pentecost is the day the Spirit set the first disciples on fire for mission,” said Bishop George R. Lucey, FCM, in his homily. “Today that same Spirit descends on these young women and men, calling them to be bold witnesses of Christ’s love — in Glen Ridge, in Bloomfield, and wherever life takes them.”

Each candidate shared with the congregation the reason they chose a particular saint as their Confirmation patron and model for their spiritual journey. The rite continued as Bishop Lucey extended his hands in prayer over each candidate, calling down the Holy Spirit. With sponsors’ hands gently resting on their shoulders, the bishop anointed each forehead with sacred chrism, proclaiming, “Receive the Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”

A reverent silence followed — broken by joyful applause and a rousing ovation from the congregation, symbolizing the parish’s shared commitment to walk beside the newly confirmed as they step into the life and responsibilities of adult faith.

Catechesis Rooted in Community

The cathedral’s Sacramental Formation faculty described the candidates’ preparation as a rich combination of weekly catechetical sessions, active parish involvement, and service projects in the wider community.

“These young people have wrestled with the big questions of faith — justice, identity, prayer, belonging,” one formation leader shared. “They’ve spent time at shelters, supported food drives, and served in our parish’s outreach ministries. By the time Pentecost arrived, they weren’t just ready to receive Confirmation — they were ready to claim their Catholic faith for themselves.”

As the Mass ended, Bishop Lucey reminded the congregation that the Holy Spirit is not simply a moment of grace, but a lifelong companion. “Our applause today is heartfelt,” he said. “But our greatest gift to these young people will be our witness, our encouragement, and our willingness to journey with them in faith.”

A festive reception followed hosted in the Glen Ridge home of one of the parent’s of the newly confirmed with, refreshments, and parishioners eager to congratulate the newest adult members of the Church.

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