Judy Lee, a Roman Catholic Woman Priest, Baptizes Ty in Inclusive Community Celebration on June 5, 2011 in Ft. Myers, Florida

In the first picture with Pastor Judy are Ty Powell,17;
Judy Alves, his mentor and Godmother and
Harry Lee Gary, church Elder and, Godfather.


In the second picture this group is joined by
Hank Tessandori who functions as a Deacon
with us and inspires Ty with his art work.

In the third picture we are joined by
Mrs. Jolinda Harmon, his Grandmother.
Mrs. Harmon attends faithfully with up to
ten of her grand children including Ty.

"This was a particularly beautiful and joyous baptism as everyone was happy that our 17 year old, Ty, was claiming a new life through baptism. After a traumatic event in his early teens he withdrew into himself and also withdrew his voice from the world, barely speaking in a whisper. For Ty, this baptism meant that those terrible events and all other negative events of his life were "washed clean","washed away" and he was a new person, able to be fully alive. It also meant to him that he was now a full member of our church family and a part of the body of Christ. He took the name of Thaddeus for his Baptismal name as he too wants to be a disciple of Jesus. We spoke to him about dedicating his artistic talent to God and to Ty his baptism also signified this commitment. When he returned to us in the beautiful white shirt his Godmother, Judy Alves, gave him and I put a white stole on him and said "you have put on Christ" his smile was amazing- and from a young man who almost never smiled. When he was able to answer the questions of Baptism in his full voice and keep eye contact with me indicating his understanding it was as if we were witnessing a miracle. Ty's mentor and Godmother is a retired Public Defender who used her considerable knowledge of young people to guide and encourage Ty. Ty lost his father in a tragic event early in his life and his new Godfather is very important to him. Ty's God father, Harry Gary, our Elder, also shared that Ty has started to visit him and he is truly reaching out to be part of the community now. This was a very special day for this young man and for our community. "

Judy Lee, RCWP Pastor Good Shepherd Community

Ft. Myers, Fl.

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests http://www.associationoformancatholicwomenpriests.org/