Miriam Therese {Baptism}

Yesterday our dear friends Tim and Nicole brought their baby girl to Jesus!

As Christian parents, they asked on Miriam's behalf for the sacrament of baptism.

Miriam's parents and Godparents (and big sister, Hannah) present her for baptism.

Miriam's parents and Godparents, Janell and Alain, bless her with the sign of the cross at the entrance to Church.

Miriam is baptized with holy water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; set free from original sin and made new in Christ!

Miriam's parents and Godparents solemnly promise before God and the Church to raise her as a Christian; to help keep her 'Light of Christ' burning brightly.  

Baby Samuel wants to help his papa with the candle!

Presenting the offerings of bread and wine, Miriam's family represents everyone present; offering up our very lives and all our prayers to God at the offertory (presentation of the gifts) before the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Big sister, Hannah, holds Miriam after Mass.

Sadly, middle sister Hope was home sick, in the care of her Grandma who had flown into town for the baptism.

Adoring Miriam Therese on the first day of her new life in Christ!

Following in the apostles' footsteps, we joyfully bring our babies to be baptized and set free from original sin.  The history of baptizing infants is well documented by the earliest Christian writers and teachers.  What a blessing to reflect on these Christian teachings as we celebrate Miriam's new life!

“He [Jesus] came to save all through himself; all, I say, who through him are reborn in God: infants, and children, and youths, and old men. Therefore he passed through every age, becoming an infant for infants, sanctifying infants; a child for children, sanctifying those who are of that age . . . [so that] he might be the perfect teacher in all things, perfect not only in respect to the setting forth of truth, perfect also in respect to relative age” ~Irenaeus (Against Heresies 2:22:4 [A.D. 189]). 

“Baptize first the children, and if they can speak for themselves let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them"  ~Hippolytus (The Apostolic Tradition 21:16 [A.D. 215]). 

“The custom of Mother Church in baptizing infants is certainly not to be scorned, nor is it to be regarded in any way as superfluous, nor is it to be believed that its tradition is anything except apostolic” ~Augustine (The Literal Interpretation of Genesis 10:23:39 [A.D. 408]). 

Congratulations Miriam Therese!