Last weekend my grandson, Gerrard, was baptized at St Joseph’s. It was a lot of fun and there were quite a
few guests. It’s always nice to have
visitors at church. It’s an opportunity to welcome newcomers; and we are
particularly good at it.
Welcoming is a major part of what a baptism does. It welcomes newcomers and visitors, while at
the same time welcoming a new member to the body of Christ.
I always have a great time at baptisms. The fact that it was my grandson only made it
better. It was a great privilege to be allowed to take part in such an
important sacrament, and I was much blessed. As was everyone else who attended;
because we all take part in the sacrament of baptism. We are adopting someone
into our extended family and renew our own covenant with God.
I think back to
the time when I was baptized in Montreal.
I was baptized on a Sunday afternoon, with only my family and a few
guests present. It’s sad that this was the practice back then. It’s almost like
we were saying ‘let’s not bother the church service with a baptism’. I’m sure
that that wasn’t the intention, but it sure sent a bad signal.
Baptisms are for the whole community. They need to be joyful; filled with music and
praise. We are welcoming a newcomer, possibly even welcoming the stranger. We
don’t know where this new person might take us in our journey, but I for one am
glad to welcome Gerrard on the road!
Deacon Mark
