85 Teens Enter Church After Faith Formation at Archdiocesan Schools

Students at Catholic high schools in the Philadelphia area received sacraments of initiation at Easter Vigil Masses.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:35pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeated Catholic cross icon in a grid pattern, conceptually representing the sacraments of initiation and the community of faith these students are joining.The vibrant sacramental celebrations at Catholic high schools across Philadelphia welcome dozens of new members into the Church's faith community.Philadelphia Today

Eighty-five students from archdiocesan Catholic high schools in the Philadelphia area received the sacraments of baptism, Eucharist, and confirmation during this year's Easter Vigil celebrations. The journeys of these young catechumens and candidates reflect the unique personal stories of how God's movement in their lives led them to seek full communion in the Catholic Church.

Why it matters

The stories of these students entering the Church highlight the important role that Catholic high schools and dedicated faculty can play in nurturing the spiritual curiosity and faith journeys of young people. Their experiences demonstrate the power of peer support, mentorship, and community in guiding individuals towards the sacraments.

The details

At Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, 17 students received their sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil, including Logan Tonkin, who said, "I wanted to receive all my sacraments so I can be a part of this big family." Theology teacher Mary Cole has accompanied many of these students on their journeys, having started an after-school "Sacrament Club" to help facilitate the process. Over the past three years, 38 Conwell-Egan students have received sacraments through Cole's leadership of the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) program.

  • The Easter Vigil Masses where the students received their sacraments took place on April 4, 2026.
  • Mary Cole started the Sacrament Club and OCIA program at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School three years ago.

The players

Logan Tonkin

A student at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills, Bucks County, who received her sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass.

Mary Cole

A theology teacher at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School who has accompanied many students on their journeys to receive the sacraments, including starting an after-school "Sacrament Club" to facilitate the process.

Korey Francis

The Philadelphia Catholic League's boys basketball MVP at Msgr. Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast High School, who received his sacraments of initiation to fulfill the faith of his family.

Deacon Declan Cole

Mary Cole's son, who is set to be ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in May and assisted his mother in creating the Sacrament Club at Conwell-Egan.

Matthew Fischer

The president of Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, who emphasized the importance of having the right person, like Mary Cole, leading the OCIA program.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to receive all my sacraments so I can be a part of this big family.”

— Logan Tonkin, Student

“You said you're 'nothing.' 'I'm not nothing. I'm just not Catholic.' 'Well, then you're not nothing.'”

— Mary Cole, Theology Teacher

“I can't emphasize the importance of having the right person leading a mission or program. Without Mary Cole, I don't know where the OCIA program would be at CEC.”

— Matthew Fischer, President, Conwell-Egan Catholic High School

“It's so uplifting to see students filling the role of sponsor and others attending the Easter Vigil in support of their friends and classmates.”

— Matthew Fischer, President, Conwell-Egan Catholic High School

“I just felt so much happier afterwards, and I felt better. It's like a big thing for me because I chose to do it on my own.”

— Jackson Dean, Conwell-Egan Sophomore

What’s next

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will continue to support the faith formation and sacramental preparation of students at its Catholic high schools, building on the success of programs like the one at Conwell-Egan.

The takeaway

The stories of these 85 students entering the Church through their Catholic high school experiences highlight the power of community, mentorship, and personal spiritual journeys in guiding young people towards the sacraments. These programs demonstrate how Catholic education can nurture the faith of the next generation.