Simeon's Baptism

Baptism is God's most beautiful and magnificent gift. . . .We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God's Lordship.

-St Gregory of Nazianzus, Oratio 40,3-4:PG 36,361C

On Sunday, November 11th, Simeon Augustine was baptized at St. Matthew Cathedral Parish and made into a new creation in Christ.

The baptism took place during the Sunday liturgy.  At this same mass, the Rite of Enrollment took place for all those wishing to become Christian, as well as those non-Catholic Christians wishing to become Catholic.  Simeon participated in this rite and went to the front of the church to be welcomed and prayed over.  However, while the other participants in the rite entered into a several month preparation program, Simeon took the infant fast-track route and received his first sacrament of initiation only half an hour later.

Simeon resting up for his big moment

The baptism was so beautiful.  As ministry students, we have read about the history and theology of baptism.  We've written research papers and preached reflections on its importance.  But nothing came close to experiencing this moment for Simeon as his parents.  There's something amazing and humbling about wanting to give this dear boy everything he needs, and giving all that we can, and yet knowing too that we cannot give him all he needs to grow and flourish.  Simeon is our entrusted one from God and, we know, only God can satisfy his sweet little heart.  In baptism, God brought Simeon to Himself by making him a beloved son, joined in Christ's death to all that sucks life and joined too to Christ's resurrection, to life abounding forever.  We are so grateful to God and so happy that Simeon is a member of the Church.

Baptism at St. Matthew Cathedral with Fr. Michael, our pastor and MDiv program director,
our friend Fr. Enno who is a Passionist priest, and Simeon's godparents, MDiv classmates Tim and Jess

Cleansed by water

Anointed, generously, with oil

And welcomed to the family

You may be able to tell that at the moment Simeon was introduced officially as a member of the Church, Ben was overcome by the urge to raise him up in Lion King fashion. 

Ben mostly resisted this urge.  Not totally, but mostly.

Simeon's godparents are Jess and Tim, two of our dear friends whom we have gotten to know through the MDiv program.  Their lives of faith have called us to deeper prayer, sincerity, joy, and love.  We so frequently see in them the beauty of the Christian call.  We are so grateful for their intentional accompaniment of Simeon as he grows in his life of faith.

With Jess and Tim

Liturgical action shot

So many people celebrated this great day with us.  All four of Simeon's grandparents came to South Bend to celebrate with us in person.  Many members of the MDiv, Catholic Worker, and St. Matts communities were there too.  So many family members and friends prayed for us and celebrated with us from afar.  It reminded us of our wedding -- the tremendous joy of so many people we love coming together to usher us along in our vocation.

Since South Bend is a 10-hour trek from both Omaha and Birmingham, both the Doughtons and the Wilsons used the opportunity to get in some quality time with the little guy.

Granddaddy Ralph (aka Abuelo), Grandma Sooz, Mama, Daddy, Simeon, Grandma Julie, and Grandpa Dave (aka Mufasa)

Playing with Grandma Julie

Staying in shape with Mufasa

Loved on by both grandmothers at once!  It doesn't get better than this for a little boy.

Practicing the Doughton wave with Abuelo

Soaking up time with Grandma Sooz 

Both grandfathers carried their weight in party preparations for the reception,
and carried two giant vats of grits from our house to the Catholic Worker across the street

 The Catholic Worker men's house graciously hosted us for a reception after the baptism.  We put together a grits bar both as a way to remember our wedding reception, and to educate the mid-westerners on a most excellent use of corn.  We did not get any pictures, but it was modeled on this lovely spread, put together in 2009 by the lovely Crape Myrtles Cafe of Homewood.  On both occasions, the grits bar featured grits from McEwen & Sons in Wilsonville, Alabama, home to the best grits in the South.... nay, the world.

Grits bar from our wedding

After much celebration, we rested in the hammock in the backyard and soaked up the goodness of this day and the God who loves us.  Thank you to all who show us His goodness through your friendship and care!

This is the place of our delight

and our rest