Angelica's Baptism

Angelica was baptised in the Catholic Church on Sunday, April 11, 2010. She was baptised at Our Lady of Knock which is the same church where we were married in May 2006. Deacon Tom Knetl performed her baptism, which was very nice as he was the principal of Memorial Jr. High when I attended there. We chose my sister, Lisa, to be Angelica's Godmother and Dennis's brother, Greg, to be her Godfather. We feel that both Lisa and Greg are positive role models and will set a good example for Angelica to follow as she grows up. Lisa bought Angelica's Christening gown several weeks ago. It is so pretty and suits Angelica's personality well.

Overall, the Christening was a blessed event. We felt very happy for our baby girl as she was baptised into the Christian faith. We hope that we will be not only good parents, but also good Christians and set a good example for her to follow as she grows up.

Here are some pictures from the day.

I love this picture. She looks soooo happy!

Here we are as we arrived at the church. Unfortunately, Angelica came down with a virus this day and she was quite cranky for most of the day. (After seeing the Dr. we are pretty sure that she had a stomach bug with a fever.)

Angelica with her parents and Godparents listening to Deacon Knetl.

After Dennis and I gave Angelica a blessing on her forehead, Deacon Knetl asked other loved ones to come forward and do the same. After blessing her, everyone stayed up at the alter to watch the baptism up close. It was nice to share the moment so closely with others. Angelica's cousins Nate & Tony, Godparents Greg & Lisa, and Grandparents, Kathy, Dave, Larry, Diana and Sue all came forward for the remainder of the ceremony.

Daddy held Angelica during the baptism.

Angelica was annointed with oil as well.

Angelica's Godfather lit a candle for her off of the church's baptismal candle.

The ceremony was a little rough on Angelica, so we didn't get to take a lot of pictures afterwards. Here is one shot we did get to take. (A special thanks to my sister's brother-in-law, Phil, for taking all of these photos during the ceremony!)

After the baptism we had a luncheon at our house. Here is the super tasty cake that we ordered from our favorite bakery, the Calumet Bakery. They did a beautiful job!

Lisa and I made all of the food. We served tuna salad and chicken salad sandwiches along with potato salad and pasta salad. It seemed like everyone really liked the meal.

Angelica received many special gifts for this occassion. We have already read through many of her prayer books and children's bibles. Her crib cross, night light and door hanger are carefully set up in her bedroom. She even got her very own pearl earrings, a glass bead rosary and a silver cross neclace that her great grandma Julie bought while in Austria! She also received a couple new outfits, books, water and sand toys, bathing suits and several savings bonds. Angelica is very blessed to have so many loving and generous people in her life.

After the baptism, Angelica changed into a different dress. Here she is with her Grandma Smith.

Austin, Nathan and Tony playing in the back yard.

Kaylea and Leanna playing in the backyard.

Rebecca and Jeffrey playing in the living room.

All together there were 50 adults and 12 kids at the party. All of the kids were so well behaved! (Wish we could say the same for the adults! haha) We felt very fortunate to have so many of our friends join us for this day as well. Since the baptism, we have taken Angelica back to church for a regular service. Sister Alban (one of the sisters at our church) was so excited to see Angelica at mass the following week. She picked her up and said "We have a brand new little Christian here with us today!" I must say, Angelica is our little angel, and I hope she will live up to her name as she grows up!