Monday, November 5, 2012

The day my son wore a gown...

This weekend was great, we had family gather and all went to church.  It was All Saint's Sunday, one of the big days our church uses to baptize babies.  Of course we had our Pierce baptized!
We are Episcopalian, so we believe in baptizing/christening babies.  Why?  I found this answer to be best

it is through baptism that faith is created in the infant's heart. Baptism, far from being the empty symbolism that many imagine it to be, is the visible Gospel, a powerful means of grace. According to Scripture, baptism "washes away sin" (Acts 22:16), "saves" (1 Peter 3:21; Mark 16:16), causes one to "die to sin, to be buried, and raised up with Christ" (Romans 6:3-4) causes one to be "clothed with Christ" (Galatians 3:27), and to be a member of the body of Christ: "for by one Spirit, were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:13). It bears repeating: baptism is a special means of God's grace by which He gives faith, forgiveness, and salvation to the infant.

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it" (Luke 18:15-17)

"Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body the Church.  The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble"
Book of Common Prayer pg 298
"We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins"
Nicene Creed, BCP pg 326

Baptism is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace

Ok, enough of my preaching.  I just know I get a LOT of questions from people who aren't Anglican about why we baptize babies.  So...there you have it in a bit of a nutshell

The Episcopal Church doesn't allow photography during services, so you'll just have to see the pictures we took after!
Pierce is wearing my brother's Christening gown that he wore 25 years ago.  The gown was hand made by my grandmother and mother (I had one too, and my mom brought it as an option for Pierce, but I vetoed it because it was really girly! lol  I also vetoed the bonnet...my baby BOY was already wearing a "dress" for tradition's sake lol).  My mom also brought, and gave to him, my baby cross that I wore when I was baptized 29 years ago (I don't think I've ever stated my actual age on here...yup, there ya have it).  My grandmother had the cross blessed by a bishop either before or shortly after I wore it.  
Pierce slept through the first half of church, then slept through being walked down the aisle to the baptismal font.  Even slept through me handing him to the priest.  He only woke up and grunted after she poured the Holy Water over his head lol.  He was even still so sweet that she carried him back to the front of the church for all of the congregation to get to see!  
I have to admit, I got teary several times through the service.  
Our Pierce Eamon is a gift from God to us, and we have now accepted our roles as Christian mentors and leaders for him.  



Pierce's amazing godparents


us and my parents, Pierce's Nana & Popi

us and J's parents, Pierce's Nonnie & Grandpa JimJim

Pierce's paternal great grandmothers

3 of 4 of Pierce's great grandmothers, and one great Uncle

Believe it or not, these young folks are Pierce's great Aunt and Uncle lol

4 comments:

  1. Loved this post!! Great pictures!!

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  2. Looks like you all had such a beautiful ceremony! Pierce is so loved and very blessed!

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  3. Love love love this!! I can't wait to dedicate our little girl! You look awesome!

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  4. What a beautiful day!! Love the pictures!

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