Filled with Joy

Anthony's Baptism

 

 

He's almost dressed, but still looks adorable without the jacket.

It's so sweet to see him in this outfit that his oldest brother wore over 13 years ago.

I know this isn't the greatest picture of the moment, but I am so thankful. 

We were NOT allowed to take pictures at Nicholas' baptism. 

When Nathan, Olivia, and Teresa were baptised together, our photographer accidentally erased all the pictures of them being baptised.

  This time, my photographer was needed to stand in for the Godfather who had to leave town 5 am the morning of the baptism.

Olivia did her best with the her view obstructec and caring for Teresa.
 

Nathan had the blessing of being asked to serve when he arrived!

 

With his wonderful Godmother, Sue. 

 

Sharing Our Joy

Monday, we celebrated our 20th Wedding Anniversary in a very special way.  We had our marriage convalidated. 

We have been members of our parish for three years.  I completed RCIA our first year at our parish. Nathan, Olivia, and Teresa were baptized there.  Nicholas, Nathan, and Olivia received their First Holy Communion there.   

It was time for Robert and I to have our civil marriage recognized by the church.  Helped by the prayers of friends and the intercession of St. Paul,  Robert called Father to have our marriage recognized by the church.

The reason for the delay is a bit too complicated to get into, but I will share that it was something I was never told about during my RCIA classes.  I found out the information on my own, and knew that I would not be able to receive Our Lord in Communion.  Heartbreaking is an understatement after what I had been through to find the hospital I was born in and adopted from, to get my baptismal certificate.  Needing that baptismal certificate was another bit of information I didn't find out through my RCIA class, but on my own, at the very tail end of classes. 

The convalidation was a bit more formal than I thought it would be. 

Robert, Teresa, and I sat waiting for Father, totally relaxed and unaware of what was to come.

I thought Father would just bless us and send us off. 

HA! 

It was a real exchanging of vows.  With the importance of having our marriage recognized by the Church, I don't know how we expected anything less.

Father started by telling us that the marriage covenant is the only covenant not washed away in the flood. 

There were beautiful readings and prayers that included our children (!),

our rings were blessed,

   

my mother and brother stood up with us,

and my children were the photographers and videographers.  8-)

 

What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.   Mark 10:9

First Holy Communion

First Holy Communion

Today, Nicholas made his First Holy Communion.

It was a very special day for him.  He has been wanting and waiting patiently to receive Our Lord for quite some time.  Last year, after studying all year and completing the class, I decided not to let him receive. Regretfully, it was because of my own issues while entering the church.

My heart certainly "filled with joy" as I watched him enter with the procession.  His face was filled with anticipation.

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Congratulations, son.

May receiving Our Lord continue to be your greatest desire.

A sweet treat

                                        

Nicholas had First Holy Communion practice today and also made his First Confession.   I thought he'd enjoy a sweet treat.

                             Tomorrow will be such a wonderful day!

Do Not Hinder Them

A day of great joy!

Olivia, Nathan, AND Teresa were baptized today.

We are rejoicing. 

Finally, our "entire household" has been baptized.

There was a long delay in my twins receiving this sacrament. Several scriptures along with teachings of the church explaining the importance of baptism. 

Jesus' words "do not hinder them", coupled with John 3:5,  have often echoed in my mind.

Wednesday, our parish called to ask if we'd like to have our children baptized at Saturday's Mass!  My answer, "Absolutely!"   How could I say anything else? 

It was unusually long, at 2  1/2 hours, but of course, worth every second.

Our entire family participated in the baptisms.  My mother stood in for their Godmother who couldn't make it from California on such short notice.  Both of my brothers came even though I was only able to tell them today!

Nicholas, who was baptized in 1997, was asked by the deacon to assist by carrying the oil of chrism, as he walked down the line of families rubbing it on the crown of the children.  Nicholas said he felt blessed to assist during his siblings baptism.

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  ~~John 3:5

Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God.  ~~ Luke 18:16