Celebrating Sacraments at Good Shepherd Church, Ft. Myers, Florida by Judy Lee, ARCWP

What a beautiful day this was at the Good Shepherd Church in Fort Myers, Florida!
The mothers, Linda and Toni Ann moved us greatly by beginning the celebration of the baptisms with prayers for the children.

When Jakein read his prayer of thanksgiving before his First Holy Communion, I thought my heart would burst. These prayers are in the tradition of the Black Catholic church and have so much meaning that they should be used everywhere.

While the pictures of the day are imperfect, and many of the most important moments were missed, it was a perfect joy for our community to share in the baptisms of Jakein John, 11 and Courtney Symone, just 7 months old. Jakein was both serious and joyful. His understanding of what happened to him today is way beyond his years.

He summed it up saying: "When I was baptized I felt so different and after it was over I felt better,I felt so good.I feel new and I am new!" The baby was amazing too, she never cried or fussed, but seemed to be taking it all in with her mother, Grandmother and little Aunt,Joelle whom we baptized three yeas ago now. Our proud God-parents are Dr. Joseph and Mrs. Pearl Cudjoe who made the day for these children and families in the way they stood up for them-and this will be for always.

Jakein's Grandmother and mother were there as well along with 14 members of his family,all of whom we baptized except one. He is 21 and will be baptized this Fall.

To us, this is what it is all about-opening the saacraments and sharing them with everyone!
Oh yes, oh Happy Day!

Pastors JudyLee and JudyBeamont, arcwp
www.arcwp.org