Tiny New Catholics
Posted by Arwen Mosher in Faith on Thursday, June 23, 2011
When Linus and Ambrose were four weeks old, we had them baptized.
For me, it was definitely the most joyous day of their lives so far - even better than the day we brought them both home from the NICU.
Ceremonies don’t usually make me weepy. I laughed with joy through my own wedding. Baptisms are the one exception to that.
Near the beginning of the rite when the celebrant says to the baby, “I claim... READ MORE
Ready For Lent?
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Faith on Sunday, March 06, 2011
I love to read the Holy Father’s annual Message for Lent to get ideas about how to live it better.
This year’s edition is lovely—it concerns living Lent as a re-discovery of the full implications of Baptism.
It’s also especially practical and helpful in that he offers specific advice for each week of Lent, so we’re not left alone to figure out how to do that.
Here it is. Enjoy, and happy Lenting!
Not Said By The Pope
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Faith on Wednesday, January 12, 2011
After reading a series of blog posts about the Pope’s calling for an end to odd-ball names, I went looking for a text.
The British press in particular has played the story as the Pope taking aim at celebrities, and as that seemed uncharacteristic, I wanted to see what was actually said.
I expected to find a positive treatment of the meaning of names; what I found is he said something else entirely.... READ MORE
'Faith Is the Most Precious Gift'
Posted by Danielle Bean in Faith on Monday, January 10, 2011
The pope baptized 21 babies in the Sistine Chapel yesterday on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. I really enjoyed watching this sweet video of all the parents, babies, and blessings.
Benedict told those present that Faith is “the most precious thing in life: the most authentic and most beautiful reason to live.”
Later in the day, the pope also emphasized the importance of giving children distinctively Christian names saying that a Christian name is “an unmistakable sign that the Holy Spirit causes man to be ‘born again’ in the bosom of the Church.”
I love his words and I love this tradition. Were there any baptisms at your parish yesterday?
Heavenly Scent Update
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Last week I wrote about Isabel’s baptism and how wonderful she smelled thanks to the chrism.
Today we had a package dropped off and some dear reader sent me a candle that smells remarkably close to this scent. It is perfect and when I opened the lid and inhaled, it brought me back (way back to last week!). Here’s the candle
Thank you, generous friend, for... READ MORE
Newly Baptized
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Thursday, June 03, 2010
I haven’t bathed sweet baby Isabel in over three days—she was baptized Monday morning and I have wanted to drink in the beautiful smell of chrism as long as possible.
I noticed today that the smell has almost totally worn off. Tonight I will pull out the baby tub and give my new little Christian a good scrub. But oh my wasn’t it wonderful while it lasted!
A few years ago, at Henry’s baptism, our friend Fr. Tim said the chrism is often referred to as “the perfume of the Holy Spirit.” What a beautiful thought. (Is it wrong of me to wish I could buy a candle that smelled just like this?)
Finalmente!
Posted by Rebecca Teti in News on Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Last Saturday, the pro-life movement lost one of its most cogent Jewish thinkers.
Prof. Hadley Arkes was received into the Church.
He writes a little bit about it here.
I am only kidding about losing a Jewish thinker. In remarks he made at the celebration dinner following his initiation as a Catholic, Hadley made it clear he doesn’t consider himself to be leaving Judaism behind, but only following it to its fulfillment.... READ MORE
God's Glorious Mercy Shows Itself
Posted by Arwen Mosher in Faith on Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Our first godchild is my sister’s son. His baptism was a joyous occasion, and I was proud to be there. I can’t think of that baptism without smiling.
This weekend we acquired our second godchild. His baptism was also a joyous occasion, and I was proud to be there. And I can’t think of this baptism without nearly bursting into tears because God is so merciful and good.
I’ve mentioned before that I... READ MORE
Fulfilling Our Baptismal Calling
Posted by Lisa Hendey in Faith on Tuesday, September 29, 2009
In anticipation of an upcoming talk I’m giving at a Religious Education conference, I thought I’d approach my favorite panel of Catholic parenting experts for your advice and expertise. The topic at hand is how we—as Catholic family members—live out our Baptismal calling. I will be looking specifically at the promises we parents make (or adults, when baptized in later years) at the time of our children’s... READ MORE
A New One in the Fold
Posted by Arwen Mosher in Faith on Monday, March 09, 2009
We’ve got a brand-new Catholic at our house!
Blaise was baptized yesterday afternoon at our parish, along with three other babies. It was a joyous occasion. Both sets of the baby’s grandparents and all but one of his aunts and uncles were there, plus his godparents who are some dear friends of ours who live a few states away.
When I was still young enough that all religious ceremonies seemed boring,... READ MORE
