What Happens at the Font, Doesn't Stay at the Font
I don't know about you, but I love baptism weekends here at Blessed Sacrament! Those slippery little babies that sometimes cry, the nervous and happy parents, the kids all around the font welcoming another adopted "sibling" to the family!! This church "home" is the first place that I ever experienced babies being baptized during Mass. Our oldest two sons, Matthew and Jacob, were baptized at other churches in semi-private ceremonies before we moved to Midland, but Luke was born here and was baptized on the Feast of the Holy Family with his big Ohio family and his really big Blessed Sacrament family all around him!! And it is both of these families that have helped to raise him and his brothers to love and follow Jesus. On that December day in 2000, Tim and I made a commitment and you all did as well, and I just want to say thank you for creating a space for our kids and all of the kids who came before and who continue to come to the font to live their lives, "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," because what happens at the font doesn't stay at the font.
(Corinne Cathcart, thanks for the awesome picture!)
On page 24 of his book, LIVING THE SACRAMENTS, Joe Paprocki has this to say about what happens in baptism:
"Baptism initiates us into a way of life that is characterized by laying down one's life and setting aside one's own needs to pay attention to the needs of others. Baptism is not a cozy little 'me-and-God' moment that cements our place in heaven but rather a 'we-and-God' experience that thrusts us into the midst of a humanity in which God dwells... It is not a magic ticket to heaven but rather an access code to living in an alternate reality, beginning right here and now, where God reigns and where God's selfless love is the new normal. In Baptism, we do not become a better version of ourselves; we become a version of Christ himself."
And if you didn't sign up to be part of the discussion group for this book, but would love to read more about what Joe has to say regarding the Sacraments, I still have copies in the office.
And though I know this song conjures up images of adult baptism, which also happens in the Catholic Church, I just love the chorus. I hope that you enjoy it as well!
AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW IN FAITH
The Mass Unwrapped
October 18 and 25
7:00-8:30 pm
Join me as we "unwrap" the four movements of Sunday Mass and the meaning behind the rituals, signs, and symbols. Based on Bishop Ken Untener’s “Teaching Mass,” this time together will help us experientially gain a deeper love and appreciation for this great gift we call the Mass. For more details and to register, please click the link or email me:
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2022/09/16/mass-unwrapped/
AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW IN KNOWLEDGE
Climate Change:
Challenge and Hope
Did you know that the Central Michigan area has become an exciting and vital part of our state’s energy development? Please join us as Peter Sinclair, a nationally recognized specialist in environment and energy issues, presents at Blessed Sacrament on October 27, 7 pm – 8:30 pm
Register Here:
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2022/09/29/environment-energy-specialist-peter-sinclair/
AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW IN COMMUNITY
It’s Time for Our Annual Trunk or Treat!
Join us in the parking lot after 4:00 Mass on Saturday, October 29, for a Blessed Sacrament family favorite! Sign up to host a trunk, bring treats, or costume up and collect the treats! Or just walk on over after Mass if you need a smile! Kids are welcome to wear their costumes to 4:00 Mass!
Please register your trunk or drop off donations of bagged candy by Thursday, October 27.
Register you trunk here:
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2022/08/25/trunk-or-treat/
DAILY OPPORTUNITIES TO REMEMBER OUR BAPTISMS
Let's end with a few more thoughts from Joe Paprocki:
"Water is part of our daily life, which means that you have numerous opportunities every day to recall and be thankful for your baptism:
*when you wake up each morning and take that first drink of water to quench your thirst and renew your parched throat
**when you splash water on your face or step under the shower to wash away sleep
***when you see or step into any body of water: a stream, river, lake, ocean, even a puddle
****when you observe or get caught in a downpour of rain"
And here is how we remember our baptisms at the Pajk house. This little holy water font (a gift from Tim) is on the wall of our kitchen as you pass through to head out to the garage. Each day when I leave I bless myself with the water and the words: "Please bless me in my coming and my going and may everything I do be done in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." A prayer and a reminder of who I am to be in the world each day.
Wishing you all a beautiful weekend of living life in the freedom of knowing that you are baptized into God's big family of love, mercy, and forgiveness.
With Joy and Gratitude,
lyn