Michelle Martin

Welcome to the fold Teresa

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Teresa is officially Catholic now. She was baptized April 18, with a few dozen family members and friends in attendance to support her in what will be a lifelong faith journey.

She did so wearing a baptismal dress that’s nearly 30 years older than me, a dress that was first worn by my aunt (and my godmother). Since then, it has been worn by my mother and me, as well our siblings, my children, by my cousins and their children, by my nieces and nephew.

It’s not long and elaborate, and it has no satin or lace. The fine white cotton is nearly transparent with age and wear, and the tiny buttons at the back are a challenge for us parents who are raising kids in the age of Velcro.

But the sleeves still puff and the pin tucks have sharp creases, thanks to my mother’s loving care, washing and ironing it. The slip that travels with it has the names of the children baptized in the dress embroidered in white around the hem, thanks to my aunt. The names are three deep now, without the addition of Teresa and her cousin Meghan, who was baptized in December.

Even the hat Teresa wore to her baptism came from the “something used” category. The bonnet, covered in rows of ruffles, first was used by a cousin of mine, as well as by me and several children since. It was a little small for Teresa (Caroline said she looked like she was wearing a 1920sera bathing cap), but it was adorable.

Her socks, however, were new.

Several of the people who wore the dress and hat were present to see Teresa baptized.

Looking at everyone who came, I realized that she will never have to wonder if she belongs or if she is loved. She probably will — that seems to be what early adolescence is for — but she can rest assured that she has people who are behind her, pulling for her all the way. On the day of her baptism, we all asked for her to be welcomed into the Christian family.

The Gospel says: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Mt 28:19-20).

She cooperated beautifully, resting wide-eyed on my lap for the reading of the Gospel, only crying for a few seconds as the water poured on her head, receiving the new life promised to her.

Welcome to the family, Teresa.

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