Blessings

Last Sunday, we celebrated Caitlin's baptism at St. Mary's in Dedham. Caitlin looked like a little doll in mommy's Christening dress that hadn't seen the light of day in almost thirty two years. The dress fit her perfectly and the spit up stain on the collar was barely noticeable, thanks to some thorough washing by Grammy.

Prior to Caitlin's, I have only attended a handful of Christenings and I must have spent more time staring at the stained glass windows than watching the ceremony. I couldn't tell you for the life of me what happens at a baptism, except for the water over the head part. This speaks to the fact that I have become a huge church slacker in my old age. Both Matt and I grew up attending church every Sunday, or even worse, every Saturday afternoon at 4:00. We both attended C.C.D. and received every sacrament the Catholic church has to offer (except I was never confirmed, but don't tell my in-laws!) Despite our upbringings, Matt and I now only attend church on Christmas, Easter, and the occasional 11:30 Sunday mass. Since Caitlin was born, we haven't been to church at all.

So, being the church slacker that I am, I did not know what to expect at Caitlin's Christening. I knew I could not get away with staring at the stained glass windows for too long because this time I was required to participate. Before the ceremony, the deacon (if you want to know what a deacon is, please ask my sis-in-law, Meaghan-she was asked to stand up during the baptism and define deacon to the entire audience), explained what to expect, how to answer his questions, and reminded us to speak and sing-yes, sing-loudly. Because St. Mary's holds group Christenings, Matt and I had the benefit of watching two other families baptize their babies before our turn on the altar. Really, the Christening was simple. There was some speaking, some singing, and lots of standing and sitting, which is the trademark of a Catholic ceremony. The actual time on the altar was very brief. The deacon said a blessing, gave Caitlin a holy shower, and slathered her head and chest in very pungent oil, somewhat reminiscent of patchouli. Done.

During the baptism, the deacon spoke to those gathered about the significance of the sacrament and the blessings bestowed upon each new baby. This gave me some time to look at the stained glass windows after all, but it also gave me a moment to pause, reflect, and get my church on. I looked back at our families, smiling and snapping pictures. I looked down at Caitlin in my arms, trying to somehow wiggle out of the three layers of Christening dress. During that moment, I really did count my blessings. Matt and I truly are blessed to have a healthy, beautiful, and sweet baby girl. I think it is time I start thanking somebody, besides my O-B and my epidural, for bringing this little bundle into our lives. Maybe it is time Matt and I return to our churchy roots. Not only do I like the tradition of the family attending church on Sundays, I also like the tradition that follows mass (at least it did in my family)....doughnuts and the funny pages! A good Boston Cream, now that's a true blessing!