This Sunday was Caroline’s christening. Being of different religions, Kath and I discussed way at the beginning of our relationship what would happen if we had a child. I’ve already had the pleasure of raising three children in my faith; it didn’t seem fair to deprive Kath of the opportunity to do the same for hers. So with the arrival of Caroline, a christening was required. Her parents and sister came up from Atlanta, my folks came up from Pennsylvania, and we went for the ceremony to the nearby church where Kath attends mass every Sunday.
I admit I was very concerned about the procedure at first. It seemed as if it would be painful, even dangerous for the baby. A huge potential for head trauma. But then I was informed that christening an infant is a completely different procedure from christening an ocean liner. I was much relieved.
PAD
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Paaaahahahahahaha!
Only second? Better make this good…
Congrats PAD, a christening is always a reason to celebrate.
As a recovering Lutheran I can tell you in all honesty the head trauma comes later in confirmation class.
Col
BA-DUM-BUM!!
Thanks folks, Peters’ here all week, try the veal and remember to tip your waitress.
I do know some adults I would love to see christened like an ocean liner…
Well, that’s how the Raelliens do it!
Try going from the Southern Baptists to the Catholic Church sometime. After I “saw the light” and converted, our daughter Shelby was baptized by the parish priest, and it was a very odd sight to watch. I mean, sprinkling is okay, but shoot, the Baptists are firm believers in “hold ’em under till they gurgle”. 🙂
JSM
Congrats, again, Peter.
But MAN, you must have some weird ideas about us Gentiles….. 🙂
I am happy for your new daughter and your open mindedness in regards to letting her be brought up in a different faith than yours.
I also enjoyed your humor in regards to the idea. If it was that type of christening then I don’t think to many Christians would be around. Or at least in employment of their full mental capacity.
At least it wasn’t a bris (hope I spelled it right) I know those really hurt.
“God bless this child and all who sail on her…”
Just doesn’t sound right, somehow…
Anyhoo, congratulations Mom & Dad!
Being a Jew, my first question would, does a christening have catering like a good bris does?
After all, how can you celebrate a new baby without corned beef, chopped liver, gefilte fish, rye bread, and kosher pickles?
Okay, I just tipped a waitress and I must say, there’s not much sport in it at all. You barely even have to push and, WHAM, they’re down. Fortunately, they do sleep standing up with their legs locked so it’s not a complete waste of time, but still…
Speaking as a Lutheran pastor, Christenings and baptisms have their own unique style of catering, called ‘potluck’ (featuring the best in green bean casseroles with french fried onion bits sprinkled on top; taco salad mad with real Doritos; and ‘salad’ made from Jello, pinapple, carrots, cottage cheese, and whipped cream)
Congratulations, Peter! My twins are due any day now, so yours and mine could be in the same confirmation class! 🙂
Just wait until her confirmation…
Congrads!
I’m an Italian American, and at when we have get-togethers like birthdays at the home of the celebrant, either the family will prepare food, or order catering. When it’s something like a christening, they usually just rent a hall or banquet restaurant.
well with the obligatory ba-dump-bump comment already made let me just say congratulations.
First time writing, long time reader. I just want to give my congratulations to PAD and his family for the special occasion.
I
Thank the Divinity that Caroline’s christening was nothing like a Cormorant family christening.
From the tape recording of my mother’s (no camcorders in those there days, for you Gen-Xers and Yers) it was quite an event.
“In nomina Patri, Et Filio—-
You sure this is the cheapest possible champagne?”
“Of course, Father, we are Scottish.”
“Goes without saying, doesn’t it.”
(Sound effect–an earsplitting POP! Champagne being poured.)
Sad to say, PAD, ours are precisely like ship christenings, only (of course) we open the bottle instead of breaking it on the subject.
You think we’d waste a perfectly good deposit bottle?
Seriously, many congrats.
That’s the only thing I regret about being an atheist. We have an overt lack of senseless celebrations.