Letters to Isaac (no. 2)

Dearest Isaac,

Baptism is God's most beautiful and magnificent gift. . . .We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God's Lordship. (CCC 1216)

A few days ago, your parents, full of joy and anticipation, brought you to the baptistry of St. Catherine of Siena Church on a sultry June evening. There among friends and family you were baptized into the life of the Church. Original sin was washed clean away and you became a son of Christ, a true and beautiful member of His body. Welcome, dearest Isaac Jogues Samuel! Welcome to this new life in Christ that your parents have chosen for you.

Your great uncle, Fr. Jim was so happy to have the privilege of baptizing you. He traveled all the way from his parish in North Carolina to officiate the rite. It was magnificent and moving and so joyful! Many of us there are grateful for the joy; for the opportunity to rejoice in the Lord!

Especially for one member gathered there. Your great Gramma Bea, who only days before had bid farewell to your great grandfather, truly embraced this moment of grace and love. This precious moment - a balm to soothe her aching heart. And I knew that by receiving this sublime gift of salvation, you are now connected in an extraordinary way to this remarkable man; your Papa Ern, whom you will come to know through the sharing of stories about his presence in our lives. I'm sure he will pray for you, little one, and love you from afar.

Along with your godparents, Auntie Erin and "Uncle" Noah, your parents have promised to educate you and nurture your faith. As the Catechism states,

For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents' help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized—child or adult—on the road of Christian life. Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium). The whole ecclesial community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism. (CCC 1255)

I, too, my dear grandson, will do my part to safeguard that grace. Our Church is a treasure trove of faith and truth to which we bear witness in all moments of our daily lives. Welcome to it, my sweet! Live it well and bask in His love.

Saint Isaac Jogues, pray for us!

I love you, baby!

Your,
Nana D

Fr. Jim Collins and his great nephew, Isaac Jogues Samuel