Margaret's Baptism

I really thought I would be back to posting the momentous occasion of Margaret's Baptism a lot sooner. Two weeks later, I'm finally getting to it. I guess it's safe to say that the days and weeks fly by faster when you have four kids.

Of course, the novelty and memories have already fainted a bit but I couldn't help but post any way.

Keeping with tradition, we held Margaret's baptism as soon as we were able to coordinate schedules and line up the priest. All of our children have been welcomed into the Catholic Church within their first 2-3 weeks of life. Being that we had not yet had our good friend, Fr. G, baptize any of our children we asked him and he gratefully accepted. We had no idea that it would be one of our family's favorite sacramental celebrations to date. Truly, it was.

We held the baptism in the early afternoon at our parish and invited family that we knew would want to celebrate with us and were geographically able to as well. Reed had also invited another priest friend of ours to join us, but due to driving distance we were unsure that he would make it. To our surprise, he showed up! This was a double blessing in so many ways, but especially since these two priests are dear friends and also the two that introduced Reed and I. They hold a very special place in our hearts and to have them finally both be able to sacramentally bless our family, was very unique. Fr. G was the main celebrant, but Fr. J also helped out with the gospel reading and many of the other prayers throughout.

Fr. G made a point to walk us all through the signs, symbols and explanations of the sacrament, but also made a special point to frequently ask the children present questions.

We began in the back of church and he explained to everyone that they were going to welcome Margaret and her parents into the church, as they would welcome a guest in their home.

We then all processed into the church singing and made our way to the front and the baptismal font.

Father continued with more instruction and questions for the kids.

Reed and I, along with the Godparents (our nephew and his wife) then lay our hands on Margaret as she was baptized. This is one of my favorite photos.

As Father anointed her with the sacred chrism oil, he asked Jonah to come up close and once he could smell the oil to let Father know. He said once he did, that he would stop pouring on the oil and rubbing it in. Jonah apparently doesn't have a very good sniffer because she got an awful lot of chrism. But we love that smell, don't we? One of my favorites.

Our newest little Catholic

With Fr. G

Parents & Godparents

I only wish that I could share more details and have each of you experience the sacrament of Baptism as beautifully as we did that day. Thankfully, Jonah and Lily did get a good portion of it on video and we have numerous photos to commemorate the occasion. It will most definitely be imprinted on our minds and hearts for a very long time.