Double
— make that triple — the sacraments
By Christie L. Chicoine
CS&T Staff Writer
DARBY
— There were smiles to spare as a set of triplets and two sets of
twins were were confirmed Sunday, March 30 at Blessed Virgin Mary Church.
Among the 35 sixth-graders confirmed by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph R. Cistone
were Zachary, Alex and Danny Walsh; Michael and Joshua Ockimey, and Alexis
and Raina Maskart.
“It was good that I could make it with my brothers because that’s
how I would want it to be,” said triplet Alex Walsh.
His brothers agreed.
Alex added that he must be more mature now, “because I’m an
adult member of the Church.”
From Zachary’s perspective, being confirmed means making it a point
to “do the right things” and “helping out” when
playing with his peers on the playground.
As far as Danny is concerned, being confirmed “feels good.”
He was also relieved that one component of the ceremony — the question-and-answer
session with the Bishop — was finished. “I thought the questions
were going to be harder,” he said with a laugh.
Zachary, Alex and Danny, age 12, are the sons of Joseph and Danae Walsh.
“It was fun. I got a new name,” said Raina Maskart. She chose
the name Regina as her confirmation name — the same name the twin
girls’ mother had taken at her confirmation.
Not to be outdone, Alexis took the name Angela — their mother’s
first name.
The graces of the sacrament were apparent to both girls, who are 11 years
old. “I felt the Holy Spirit was coming to me,” Raina said
in describing the moment the oil of Chrism met her forehead.
And Alexis? She was thinking, “I feel really holy.”
Although Alexis knew the answers to the questions Bishop Cistone asked
the confirmands, she, too, was relieved when that session was over.
Both girls realized the responsibilities that accompany the sacrament
of confirmation, they said.
Alexis said she would strive to be more respectful to others. Raina said
she planned to argue less with one of their older sisters, and to help
their mother more with household chores.
Michael Ockimey said being anointed by Bishop Cistone was amazing. As
the oil of Chrism was placed on his forehead, Michael said he thought:
“Wow. I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
Grateful for the graces he received through the sacrament, he plans to
be more generous to others, and to give more of his time to his friends
— in conversation and in helping them with their studies.
Joshua Ockimey said he felt special and blessed during the ceremony and
planned to ask God in his prayers that night to help him become a better
person.
Michael and Joshua, age 12, are the sons of Michael and Cathy Ockimey.
Being confirmed with his twin was as it should be, each Ockimey boy said.
“I’m kind of happy that he’s by my side all the time,”
Joshua said of Michael.
CS&T Staff Writer Christie L. Chicoine may be reached at (215) 587-2468
or cchicoin@adphila.org.