On Saturday, December 28, we celebrated the Vigil of the Feast of the Holy Family by welcoming six young children into the Catholic Faith. These families came to us during the year, wanting to have their child baptized. Due to different circumstances–one being poverty–this was very difficult. We had our mothers meet with the Pastor, Fr. Samson, for interviews. Then we had our Seminarian, James, as well as Annette, meet with them for faith formation.

Baptism is the first of the sacraments and the “foundation of all Christian life,” which is the “door that allows the Lord to make His dwelling place within us and bring us into His Mystery.”

This was truly a moment of joy for those gathered, especially those of us who remembered how the Greek word “baptize” means “submerge.” “Bathing in water symbolizes, in various creeds, the passing from one condition to another; it is a sign of purification for a new beginning.”

This also allowed us to remember that Baptism makes us missionaries in the world, each one according to his or her own vocation, so that the world may believe and be transformed.

We welcome our newly-Baptized into the Catholic and now pray for their continued walk with Jesus Christ.