Baptized

It looks like she has been put through the wringer.  Well...I guess, technically she was.

1213 Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."

A few weeks ago I was concerned about  Catie's conception and birth circumstances.  I was worried that her past might have a negative impact on her future.  I was worried about the evil that may have entered her life through those circumstances.  I was considering how we might be able to bring her to be prayed with.  


Then my brother in law taught be a very important lesson.  Within the Sacrament of Baptism, an actual exorcism is preformed as a part of the ceremony.  Prior to the water washing away all her sins, she is exorcised of any evil spirits. When I learned this I could not wait for April 29th to arrive!!  


Today Catie was baptized into the Catholic Church.  Adopted as a daughter of God.  How cool is that?  Our gotcha day was April 25th.  God's gotcha day was today, April 29th.  :)  I love how He loves us!  \

Baptism is God's most beautiful and magnificent gift. . . .We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God's Lordship. St. Gregory Of Nazianzus, Oratio 40,3-4:PG 36,361C.

The Newest Member of the Catholic Church!

Our H-bean is a Catholic! At 2 months and 6 days old, on my grandmothers birthday, Hannah was baptized by water into the Mystical Body of Christ. Her uncle Keith conferred the sacrament and did a most excellent job with his homily. H's uncle David also participated by reading the story of Hannah from 1st Samuel (and as you can see in one of the pictures, was also our video guy). She had SO many people come from far and wide to celebrate her initiation and meet her for the first time.
It was a wonderful baptism, followed by two wonderful parties. We are grateful for everyone that traveled to be with us and for all those locally who helped in so many ways. This is another moment that we have so long awaited. If you inhale deep enough, you can still smell the faint aroma of the chrism oils. We are so excited to pass on the gift of our faith to our daughter.