Beautiful Baptism

So with the birth of Nathan it was next time to decide how to have him baptized. Well, for James we had his Great-Great Uncle B come to town and coordinated having him baptize the first child in this generation (he is a priest). It was absolutely lovely, small, family only and just nice.

Well, what to do for Nathan? We have been attending Mass as members of the local Catholic Church up in the area we bought our house in. I don't think I've spoken much about it on here but there are tons of kids and families and the church is huge! The music could use some help but I can't help it if I am biased (Thanks Mom).

So, we looked into what it would take to have Nathan baptized there. So, after much planning and coordinating and even going to a class! Nathan was baptized at the 4:45 Mass this past weekend and I could not have asked for a better experience! (though if there ever is a next time we are going to have someone Video instead of just still shots :P )

We had ALL the local family there including James' godparents and a dear co-worker of mine. Dan, Myself, and Aunt J (now godmommy for Nathan) started out in the back of church by the baptismal font with Fr. T. began with opening prayers, blessing of the water, and some traditional questions. We the processed up the aisle with Fr. and took our seats right up front. After the homily we were invited back to the font for the service....we had de-dressed Nathan for a full immersion baptism (not as customary for babes, used more for RCIA candidates in the catholic church).

Litany of saints, prayers, exorcism of the child....all went swimmingly meanwhile Nathan was falling asleep against my chest, whoops. Passed him to Dan with the intent of stirring him a bit...

Then on the signal from Fr. Dan dunked Nathan into the font and held him under his arms with water up to his chest while Fr. poured water over his head, face and all and not once did Nathan cry out!! We then wrapped him in a towel and followed Fr. back up the aisle way, Nathan being held above his daddys head being presented to the congregation (it was a full service, though I am not sure if any mass at our church isn't full) who in turn clapped and welcomed the wee one. It was spine tingling walking down the aisle following Nathan.....shivers i tell ya, good shivers.

We then took Nathan back to get him dressed in his white gown (same one his brother wore) and came back to our seats. After communion we went up to the altar and at this point Nathan received the Oil of Chrism and Aunt J got to light his candle from the Paschaal Candle. Then we all received blessings starting with Nathan who watched Fr. avidly and smiled the entire time. Even James got a sibling blessing which he remarked afterward "How kool"

We the processed out with Fr. and took a myriad of pictures by the font before heading back to our house for food and social. Yum yum! We had a full house but there was plenty of food!!

We just felt so blessed and Nathan just did fantastic! Even James was very proud of his brother and thoroughly enjoyed having all the people around :)

pictures forthcoming