At the 7 pm Mass at St. John’s Catholic Church, in
Kitchener, on June 10, 2006 Vivian Katherine Bow was baptized. It was a very moving service. Vivian was truly received into the congregation
when the priest carried her up and down the aisles introducing her to each
member present, allowing them to welcome her personally. At the actual baptism, it was amusing to watch
the priest slick down Vivi’s unruly Mohawk with the oil after the water hadn’t
brought order to it. A selection of
pictures is available in the slideshow above.
Vivian was perfectly calm through out and amused herself in the pew
while Pat was holding her by playing with the Missal. It’s a book, after all, and she is the daughter
of two published authors. Pat got to carry Vivi up to be blessed at the Communion
(do Catholics call that part of the Mass “Communion”?) Non Roman Catholics were welcomed to receive Communion
in both kinds; when one grandfather when offered the host whispered to the
priest that he wasn’t Catholic, the priest reassured him with the words “Neither
was Christ.” There were four generations
present; Vivi’s O’Connor great grandparents and both sets of grand parents were
at the service. “Almighty God, our
heavenly Father, whose beloved Son did share in Nazareth the life of an earthly
home: Bless, we beseech thee, the home of Vivian, and grant wisdom and
understanding to all who shall have care of her, that she may grow up in
steadfast love and reverence of thy holy Name; through the same thy Son Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.”