a Beautiful Baptism

Last weekend was the beautiful baptism of our friends' baby girl.
We've been to a lot of baptisms, but I have to say that this one was really moving. Something about the way we started at the back of the church by this big crucifix,

and then moved into this very small baptistry where we couldn't all fit, but somehow I managed to lift my camera and capture the moment. "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."


Finally we moved to the sanctuary for the final prayers and blessing of the mother and father. I loved how the children congregated on the kneelers to watch, with girls on one side...


boys (plus MK) on the other!


I can still smell the oil of chrism on her sweet forehead.
Oh the sweetness of the purest little soul!
God's grace and salvation revealed.


I cannot look at this photo of the smiling children without starting to tear up, grateful for the happiness of sharing these most special occasions with some of our closest friends. How will we move on to these new adventures without them? We are going to miss them so, so much.


But we have much to be thankful for. Namely, a Faith that allows us the opportunity to receive Christ's saving grace at baptism. A community of homeschooling friends who are so dear to us. A parish that allows us to feel, see, and smell the essence of Catholic Tradition. And a new adventure around the corner where God sees fit to send our family on the newest leg of the journey...

Congratulations to one of the newest little Catholics,
A.M.N. and her family!
May she always know the love of Christ.