I’m completely humbled by my Baptismal experience. Father Tim (a very, very cool Priest) dumped about a gallon of Holy Water on my head, and that cold water put me back into my body. I was so nervous, I had to tell my sponsor that I might faint, and he (Sean) was like: “Just say my name, and I’ll catch you.” Sean also gave me his Rosary after Mass as a Confirmation gift.
Being newly baptized, I stood at the entrance of the church during dismissal to greet folks as they were leaving. One parishioner, a young guy, said: “Your beard did not block out that big smile of yours.” I must admit, I was smiling beyond belief, for as I type this now, my jaw muscles are still sore. Standing at the doorway I shook everyone’s hands. Old and young alike, all welcomed me home.
Again, I’m deeply humbled by this gratitude of strangers, who are now my newly adopted family.
Some of my fellow RCIA students were at this Mass, and they took pictures, and yes, I’ll share those when I get copies.
Oh yes, my Confirmation name is Francis, as in, St. Francis of Assisi (patron saint of animals, merchants, ecology, stowaways) 🌳🐈🍃🐇