Baptism during Mass...getting the hang of it!

One of the real pleasures of the ministry of the Permanent Deacon are those opportunities to baptize our newest Chrsitians.  It is a source of great joy when a family comes forward and asks for Baptism for their new addition to the family.  If possible, we arrange the baptismal seminar, the preparation, and then schedule the baptism.

Until I came to my new parish, Most Holy Trinity, all of my baptisms were after Mass.  And to the best of my knowledge almost every baptism at my home parish, St Jane de Chantal, was after Mass.  I do remember one or two Baptisms inside Mass but they were very rare.  I should go on to say that even in my pre-diaconate days I really never experienced baptisms inside Mass, including my own two children and others among family & friends.

At Most Holy Trinity we encourage families to strongly consider the Baptism during Mass.  At first I struggled with this simply because it was not my usual experience.  I liked the relaxed pace of a family Baptism.  But now that I have actually been involved in a few of these baptisms and have researched the intent of the Sacrament, I will confess that it is a wonderful experience.  Let me explain.

Baptism, in addition to being the first Sacrament and freeing us from original sin, makes us part of the entire people of God who celebrate the memorial of the Lord's death and resurrection.  Baptism incorporates us into Christ and forms us into God's people.  Baptism is a sacramental bond of unity linking all who have been signed by it.  In other words, the sacrament of Baptism incorporates us into the Church family, the Body of Christ.  Therefore, where possible the community of believers should be present to welcome the newly baptized.

Today I was so honored to baptize our newest member of the Church; a beautiful little girl with the equally beautiful name of Annabelle Louise.  She was delightful throughout the Baptism and the entire Mass.  And I again felt great joy at the privilege, through my ordination, to baptize little Annabelle.  And the community responded as a family would; with great joy and loving support.

And I look forward with great joy to the many baptisms to come including those during Mass!