REFLECTIONS ON

REFLECTIONS ON BAPTISM IN PANDEMIC

by Rachel DeVey and Mother Rebecca

Ibegan attending Transfiguration in February of 2019. I was raised Christian Scientist, so I wondered whether the Episcopal Church would be a good fit. Right away, I was drawn in by the reverent worship, which engaged all my senses and brought me into God’s presence week after week.

Hopeful that I’d found a church home, I explored attending The Way in fall 2019 to prepare for baptism but was unable to participate on Tuesday evenings at that time. One of the upsides of quarantine last year was the opportunity to participate in The Way with Mtr. Rebecca during summer 2020. In our time together, I learned so much – why we worship as we do, how we observe the seasons of the Christian year, and how to pray at home through the collects and the Daily Office.

After completing The Way, I hoped to be baptized on All Saints’ Day. When my schedule changed, I looked forward to an Epiphany baptism. Both days would have been wonderful occasions for the sacrament, but Mtr. Rebecca encouraged me to participate in Transfiguration’s tradition of being enrolled as a Candidate in Lent and participating in weekly prayers throughout the season, with the support of my baptismal sponsors, the clergy, and the church. Excited for this last bit of formation, I began to prepare for baptism at the Easter Vigil.

It was a wonderful decision! Experiencing Lent and Holy Week (especially the Triduum) in person and having my journey culminate in a full immersion baptism was one of the greatest, if not the greatest, experiences in my life. Coming out of the water, I felt like a newborn baby – eyes squeezed tightly to keep the water from flooding in and gasping for breath. And then, I felt like I was being fully embraced by God’s redemption after wandering in the wilderness for so many years. There was something awesome (as in full of awe) in experiencing the slow breaking of dawn that morning as we heard the story of God’s salvation of the world. Father Casey’s sermon comparing hope to the light of dawn slowly emerging (as opposed to light from a switch that snaps on with a flick) is definitely how 2021 has felt so far.

Father Casey’s sermon comparing hope to the light of dawn slowly emerging (as opposed to light from a switch that snaps on with a flick) is definitely how 2021 has felt so far.

This time last year was characterized by despair and uncertainty for me, as I suspect it was for many of us. One year later, the world is still imperfect and certainly not back to normal. But light is shining into darkness, things are being made new, and hope is certainly breaking in. Many wonderful changes are taking place in my life right now and becoming part of the Body of Christ is number one.

I remember the first time I visited the Fig and how kind and welcoming everyone was. I know now that Fr. Casey extends this welcome at the beginning of every service, but as someone who two years ago hadn’t been to church of my own desire in years, it was the sincere and hearty welcome that I really needed. I am excited now to be someone who has made the journey from visitor to catechumen to candidate to member – to be someone who can welcome others into this amazing parish. 13

14