Were you reading my blatherings back at the beginning of January?? (And you've stuck with me? Wow!) One of the things I had included on a list of goals/ideas for the new year was our intention to celebrate Baptism day anniversaries. I've always been so grateful that our children have been able to witness the Baptisms of their siblings, our godchildren, and family friends. It helps them see and appreciate what happened at their own Baptism. Celebrating the anniversary of the day they became Christians seemed like another meaningful way to help them appreciate and understand the sacrament they received as infants.
We kicked off our new family ritual this past week. Dominic Jerome was baptized on February 2, 2008, so we celebrated Monday night, February 2 - which also happens to to Candlemas - the Feast of the Presentation in the Temple, so isn't that neat how they coincide!?!
We began by asking the kids to remind us what Baptism is all about. At their age, we expect them to be able to tell us that Baptism permanently washes away the stain of Original Sin, that Baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ, Children of God, and members of the Church, and that Baptism is God's gift of His grace into our lives.
Russ offered an opening prayer and Dominic lit his Baptismal candle. (Can you believe I actually found all of them?!?) Then Russ led Dominic in renewing the Baptismal promises, then asked the questions of the rest of us. We closed with a blessing with holy water and a final prayer, and then we enjoyed pumpkin pecan pie because that's what Dominic chose!
It was a lovely, simple, and meaningful celebration. I'm looking forward to the rest and hope that this becomes a regular tradition for us!
* * * * * *
Renewal of Baptismal Promises...
Closing prayer:
God, the all-powerful Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new
birth by water and the Holy Spirit,
and forgiven all our sins.
May he also keep us faithful to our Lord
Jesus Christ for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
How beautiful! I've been meaning and meaning to do this for years! We haven't though:( Just started our birthday run for the year, so thanks for the inspiration. Love how you renew your b promises!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and simple! I should really get all the candles and prayers for this in one place downstairs so it happens more easily.
ReplyDeletethat's what I did - all the candles are in a jar in the dining room storage closet so that there's no searching :) Now I just have to get the rest of the dates on the calendar so we don't miss the next ones!
DeleteI LOVE the idea of renewing our Baptismal promises. We are so totally doing that at our next Baptism dinner. Perfect timing, too, since Rebecca's is coming up soon.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tradition to begin. I wish you much joy in keeping the tradition alive!
ReplyDeletethank you!
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