Ryan's special baptism day was September 22, 3013. We were so blessed to have our family and some special friends join us to celebrate Ryan's first public step in his faith.
Father Tony welcomed Ryan to church :)
He was very alert and interested, even cooing.
I wish you could have seen Ryan's reaction to the holy water on his head. He was smiling!
There are three symbols during a Catholic baptism. Water is a symbol of both life and death. Its use in baptism is central to the sacrament representing taking on a new life in Christ.
The baptismal candle is a symbol of the light of Christ which is coming into the child’s life. The presentation of light represents how the newly baptized will become a son or daughter of the light.
Oil is a symbol representing power and strength which comes from the Holy Spirit. This baptismal oil, chrism, is olive oil with special perfume which is blessed by the bishop in a special ceremony once a year. In the baptismal ceremony it is used to anoint forehead of the newly baptized. (This oil, by the way, smells so nice!)
Precious baby Ryan, proud mom and dad.
With Ryan's godparents, my brother Brian and sister in law, Jen.
Grandma Mary and Papa Richard.
Grandma Connie and Papa Steve.
The cake, which Ryan didn't eat any of.
Wait until your first birthday, buddy, then you can eat all you want!
This was from a card Ryan received and I thought it was a nice sentiment of what this day was about:
A baptism is a welcome to a life in God above --
To all the joy and blessings that are of His great love...
A baptism is a happy time for families to share --
A time for growing closer in God's strength and gentle care...
But, mostly, it's a gift of hop to someone sweet and new --
A gift your tiny child of God will keep a lifetime through.
