Selecting Godparents is always a challenge. Kicking around the prospects for Godparents for our newest little girl, the "proof of being a practicing Catholic" requirement played heavily into our decision. It's often quite a chore and I dread having to ask it. The wonderful couple we settled upon probably wouldn't need to go to extra effort since they're fellow parishioners. We'd had them in mind for a while, but hadn't gotten up the gumption to ask till today when I finally got up the nerve to make the phone call. Facebook messaging just didn't seem right. Having obtained gracious acceptance of the request, my husband was tasked with the job to stop into the parish office to fulfill the rest of the requirements. I expected the following to go smoothly. To our surprise, the Godparent selection did not lead to an immediate smooth path to a scheduled date.
In the past I've taken all or most of my children into the rectory when submitting our paperwork, and the secretary (or in one instance the priest) note our large family and give us the pass for the Baptismal class requirement. Large families with many young recently baptized children are often granted an exception, since it's assumed we've already learned what we need to know before this very important sacrament.
I had expected my husband to return home with an appointed Baptism date. Instead he told me that the office lady told him he had to attend a class before he could proceed. Incidentally, the class was tonight! My prideful indignation got the better of me and I resolved that indeed we all would attend this class (even though they said only one parent needed to attend). I was so incredulous I was determined to drive home how ridiculous a request this was by showing up with our entire family in tow for the class. And so we did.
I joked that they would see us coming and run out to tell us we didn't actually have to take the class after all... and that's exactly what happened. Apparently, very shortly after my husband left the rectory someone else realized how silly it was and tried to run after him to let him know he didn't need to attend the class. All the same it was nice to see his reaction to it all when he actually told the religious education coordinator, "I didn't want to make a fuss or act like I was more special than anyone else." Utterly refreshing... as I am keenly aware of how much my inner being was wanting to be like, "I can't believe you think I need to attend a class!" He looked absolutely genuine, whereas I doubt I was able to mask my pride completely.
And now I contemplate my own character... or lack there of...
We have yet to procure a date, however, as the Baptism coordinator has left and the new person is still in training and not currently scheduling at the moment. We're to call tomorrow and see try again, but our paperwork is done. I just hope the baby won't outgrow the gown I knit for her.
I was so pissed that I had to take the class here that I posted it on facebook. I was SO irritated. Then I realized who taught the class and figured "What can it hurt?"
ReplyDeleteLemme tell ya... I learned quite a bit because Deacon saw me in the class and taught to me. The other two couples in the class (my husband didn't come with me) weren't even members of our parish, so Deacon checked the block with them and then spoke to me most of the class. With that said, he did the Baptism and during the Baptism, he stopped during the homily and told us "You just don't know how REFRESHING it is to do a Baptism where everyone in the family actually knows the responses and doesn't need to be prompted!"
Every once in awhile, even the person teaching the class needs just that one person that obviously doesn't need the class, to show up to give them a bit of support. Too many people today take the class just to check the block, so they can get the Sacrament as if it's a bonus baby gift.