A Baptism Party!

Picture drawn for the St. Anne's Broadcaster (our newsletter) for an article about this feast

Why is a Franciscan Sister writing about a baptism party on a cold January morning, you might ask.  I realize that this title may seem strange to my readers.

As a matter of fact, today is going to be a rather "strange" day here for me.  (I'll get back to the baptism party issue in a bit.)  We don't have Mass until 4 p.m.  The priest who usually serves us on Sundays isn't available, so another priest is filling in as his schedule allows.  We're not complaining; we are grateful to have a priest for Mass! 

Before this, however, we're having our annual baptism party!  The secular Franciscans (sometimes called 'Third Order') who meet here have their monthly gatherings on the second Sunday of the month.  (I serve as their 'spiritual assistant.')  Instead of having their Christmas party in December (the second Sunday of which is still Advent), they celebrate Christmas together at their January meeting.  Most often, this falls on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which ends the Christmas season. 

This group always invites us Franciscan Sisters to join in their festive gathering, which includes a potluck.  This is mid-afternoon, right in between lunch and supper.  It is a very nice time to come together as members of the Franciscan family to celebrate our Lord's coming among us.  With all this feasting in mind, we'll have to really cut back at the other meals today, though.

Today, as we celebrate the Lord's baptism, should be a good day, though the schedule will be far from normal. 

Happy Feast Day - and one last 'Merry Christmas!'

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