Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them, but Jesus said, "Let the little children come tome and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." And he laid his hands on them and went on his way. (Matthew 19:13-15)
I'm not sure this verse is mentioned in the section on baptism from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, but I have always thought of it when I have my infant children baptized. Today it really struck me how it is the faith of the community that is witnessed to at this event. True, the grace happens to the baby. Little Zipporah Marie is now a daughter of God, adopted through Jesus Christ, but she is also still just a baby. And it is up to us as parents and her godparents and in fact, the entire Church community to help her learn and live the faith.
I should also note that Father Fred gave us kudos on picking her name and quizzed the congregation on who Zipporah was in the bible. He also chose Mass today to mention how kids are most welcome and he understands how it can be tough for parents with little kids. He, himself, was the second oldest of 10, so he "gets it," and was most encouraging of families that pack up all the kids to get to Mass on Sundays.
And now, without further ado, here are some pictures:
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| For the record, I have no idea what I found so funny at the time of this picture. |
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| Receive the light of Christ! :) |
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| Being baptized really wears a girl out. |
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| In the gown made from Great Grandma Mary Schmeidler's wedding gown. (Which all the grandkids and great grandkids, thus far, have been baptized in.) |
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| Decorated with lots of love (and perhaps not so much skill). This was "Grandma's recipe" for chocolate cake and there were no left-overs. |
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