Does mass-baptism in the ocean count?

[Midlifestart]

Heron yep. And at least now, (as opposed to my childhood which lacked in religious education) I know exactly what it is that I am rejecting. I feel good knowing this was truly informed decision, albeit one I could not control because hey, it just happened!

Chilehed I bet you're right. I cannot imagine encountering anything like that in any church. Every Christian friend I've told (no matter what their denomination) has been so jazzed about my transformation, that they are literally asking to come to the baptism. One friend even cried. It's been amazing.

 

[freezerman2000]

Heron yep. And at least now, (as opposed to my childhood which lacked in religious education) I know exactly what it is that I am rejecting. I feel good knowing this was truly informed decision, albeit one I could not control because hey, it just happened!

Chilehed I bet you're right. I cannot imagine encountering anything like that in any church. Every Christian friend I've told (no matter what their denomination) has been so jazzed about my transformation, that they are literally asking to come to the baptism. One friend even cried. It's been amazing.

That is so cool!

 

[heron]

there are even some who'll tell you that I'm not a Christian because I'm Catholic

I have met a couple Catholics on the forum who prefer we don't call them Christian, bc it implies Evangelical. But I know what you mean... some people are very cautious about what the Catholic church has taught over the centuries. God said we're all children of His, joint heirs of His kingdom.

 

[tturt]

midlifestart - thought about you over the weekend. Did you decide to wait?

When I posted earlier about my concern over our traditions, I wasn't referring to being baptized but rather the other "requirements" that get attached.

Sometimes at our services with biker believers from many denominations, they've put a liner in the back of a truck and baptize those who want to be. When they come up, the usual responses are whistles, clapping, etc. I know it doesn't seem appropriate to some but it's an awesome occasion to others.

 

[Midlifestart]

tturt no I did not end up doing it. In fact I didn't even end up going to the Christian music festival. Sadly, I ended up at a dear friend's funeral.

I sense I was exactly where I needed to be on Saturday (not in the ocean). And my priest had told me the week before (when I consulted with him about the ocean baptism) that "it's good to get baptized at the place where you plan to worship." So I have no regrets whatsoever about not getting baptized with strangers earlier than anticipated. I adore the Episcopal church, I adore my church, and I have no reservations about doing it there. We have a tentative date for mid-September and the timing just "feels right".

Thanks for asking.

 

[Alex1234567890]

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[tturt]

Yes, I'm glad you're at peace with your decision.

 

[freezerman2000]

tturt no I did not end up doing it. In fact I didn't even end up going to the Christian music festival. Sadly, I ended up at a dear friend's funeral.

I sense I was exactly where I needed to be on Saturday (not in the ocean). And my priest had told me the week before (when I consulted with him about the ocean baptism) that "it's good to get baptized at the place where you plan to worship." So I have no regrets whatsoever about not getting baptized with strangers earlier than anticipated. I adore the Episcopal church, I adore my church, and I have no reservations about doing it there. We have a tentative date for mid-September and the timing just "feels right".

Thanks for asking.

I am sorry to hear about your loss of a dear friend, but happy to hear about your setting a date for your upcoming Baptism!
Are you planning to let the congregation know of your intentions so that they can help and encourage you? At my Church, there is a time between the announcements and the offertory dedicated to "shout outs",letting folks know of joyful events in one's life, so they can celebrate also.
After Baptism comes Confirmation..Becoming a full member of the Church and the Body of Christ.
I give you my heart felt congratulations and Christian love at this step in your spiritual walk with Christ!

 

[chilehed]

I have met a couple Catholics on the forum who prefer we don't call them Christian, bc it implies Evangelical.

That strikes me as a very bizzar thing for a Catholic to think.

But I know what you mean... some people are very cautious about what the Catholic church has taught over the centuries. God said we're all children of His, joint heirs of His kingdom.

That's perilously close to fomenting a debate, which aren't allowed on this part of the forum.

 

[heron]

How sad that you lost your friend. Of course that was more important.

 

[heron]

That's perilously close to fomenting a debate,

Chilehed, it was a comment about what others had posted, and was not in the slightest intended for debate. Please don't stir it up. With over a billion Catholics in the world, there are bound to be some with different outlooks and opinions. I was responding to your earlier comment, in an effort to -prevent- debate. It does not reflect my own opinion.

 

[Midlifestart]

Freezerman and Heron, thank you for the comforting words. It has been a terrible loss. But life goes on.

Freezerman, they don't do "shout outs" at my congregations, but I've been telling people during coffee hour that I am getting baptized in September. The sanctuary will probably be packed that day, since those who don't attend in the summer will have returned. A few friends have also asked to attend, so I'm inviting them.

 

[freezerman2000]

Freezerman and Heron, thank you for the comforting words. It has been a terrible loss. But life goes on.

Freezerman, they don't do "shout outs" at my congregations, but I've been telling people during coffee hour that I am getting baptized in September. The sanctuary will probably be packed that day, since those who don't attend in the summer will have returned. A few friends have also asked to attend, so I'm inviting them.

Cool..I wish I could be there, but I will likely be on the road behind the wheel of a big rig...