Friday Five: Fire and Water

This might qualify as a Friday + Five, as it's almost been 5 days since it was posted.

revhrod poses these RGBP Friday Fives:

In this Sunday's gospel Nicodemus asks Jesus, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?" Poor old Nicodemus! He was so confused about the whole "water and Spirit" business of baptism.

For today's five, tell us about your baptismal experiences.

1. When and where were you baptized? Do you remember it? Know any interesting tidbits?
I was baptized on April 20th, 1958 at the age of 8 days! I don't remember it :-), but I do have this wonderful photo of me with my mother and her mother. The gown is the same one all my siblings were baptized in, and the slip, embroidered with all our names and the dates our baptisms has been worn by most of the grandchildren at their baptisms. The saddest thing I think is that my mother was never present at any of her children's baptisms, since medical advice at the time was that she should stay "in the house" and rest (?).

2. What's the most unexpected thing you've ever witnessed at a baptism?
I see a lot (given that we baptize at Mass), but nothing spectacular comes to mind. For humor, see #3.

3. Does your congregation have any special traditions surrounding baptisms?
We baptize as part of the regular Sunday service (less common in Catholic parishes), and begin by singing the Litany of the Saints (and other holy folks) down upon them. We all renew our baptismal vows. We all vow to support the parents in their path. The sense that these children are being baptized into a community of faith is strengthened by these customs. My better half enjoys the question we ask the parents each time: Do you understand what you are undertaking? His take on this - no way do any of these new parents have a clue what they're embarking on!!

4. Are you a godparent or baptismal sponsor? Have a story to tell?
I'm a godmother several times over, but am still in shock that two of my goddaughters are now in college!! I can't be old enough?

5. Do you have a favorite baptismal song or hymn?
The sung litany of saints is my favorite, a potent reminder of a community that extends through both space and time. Crash loves it - since his given name appears early; Barnacle Boy is irritated since "his" saint has been purged from the calendar as a pious legend.