Welcome into Mother Church.

"This sacrament [of Baptism] constitutes a true immersion in the death of Christ to rise with him in a new life. It is a bath of regeneration by water and the Spirit and that illuminates us with the grace of Christ."

Pope Francis

On the eve of the Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 21, Dominic Gerard was ushered into the body of Christ, the Church! The sacrament was held in the beautiful Schlosskapelle. I was very happy to be able to have it done before Christmas!

Bathed, fed, and groomed....ahh this must be time for my nap. (Just as Mama planned...)

Michael and Winter Biffert.

Monsignor Larry Hogan, the president of ITI, presided.

 How wonderful to re-present these precious gifts to God in order that He might sanctify them with His grace and mark them as His own. May you be a shining light of Christ to the world, little Dominic!

 Dominic slept soundly through it all, except when the water hit his head. Then he resumed his nap.  

 Michael was happy to help hold the baptismal candle after it was lit from the Paschal Candle.

We are so thankful to have received this blessing from God and are doubly thankful that our Savior came to earth so as to allow us to partake in His life, especially through the sacraments of Mother Church. Thank you to our friends and fellow ITI family from Canada, the Bifferts, for standing in for the godparents. Paul and Amanda, we wish you could have been there - we offered up special prayers for you and you were there in spirit! :)

"...for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

Galatians 3:26, 27

Welcome to the Church, Felicity Jane!

Last Sunday, the 1st of the year and on the feast of Mary, I was very honored and blessed to participate in another soul's entry into the Church! Felicity Jane Huber was baptized at the Ave Maria Oratory and I was (quite surprised) and thrilled to be her godmother! I have prayed so much for this little one throughout her time in utero, on the day of her birth, and during her time spent in the hospital afterwards, and it brought us all much joy to see her be marked by the waters of Baptism as His own. May our Lord always protect and guide you, Felicity. We are here to pray you on towards heaven.

She is so sweet to "talk" to

Love this happiness

This light is entrusted to you...

Our newest godchild, Declan Zachariah, was baptized on July 24, 2010.

I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you new birth
by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into His holy people.

As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you always live as a member
of His body, sharing everlasting life.

May He soon touch your ears to receive His word, and your mouth to proclaim
His faith, to the praise and glory of God the Father.

Parents and godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly.

Declan Zachariah, you have put on Christ, in Him you have been baptized, Alleluia. Amen!

During our visit to the W. coast we were so blessed to be able to witness the baptism of our newest nephew and godchild; thanks be to God for the perfect timing!!  Amanda was an amazing trooper and was determined to be there even though she had just been released from the hospital and was sans pain meds.  She was just so joyful that her little baby was able to be baptized...beautiful and inspiring to see!  We were so happy that Andrew's sister Lisa, and her precious children could be there as well; it was a special moment for us all.  Little Declan, you are always in our loving prayers and we hope to help you always keep your light burning brightly for Christ!

(Photo Credits: Andrew's brother, Paul)

Faces I love

Some highlights from my trip to WA; May 15-25.

Touring the Pittock Mansion in Portland, OR.

The rhododendrons were in bloom - beautiful! And so were the girls.


Enjoyed hearing Mary play the Steinway circa 1800's at the mansion.

Wearing socks for the first time this year, definitely not in FL!


An outing in downtown Portland.


Games in the evening.



Ready for Mass Pentecost Sunday.


Christopher is such a good uncle...

He held little Kieran throughout the whole 2 hour Mass despite being pooped and spit up upon.


Eliazbeth just after being confirmed - Elizabeth Ann Francis



I just enjoyed seeing Mary smile so much...love these two so much.


It was a great week, especially fun to have all the sisters together!

A joyful day!

From St. Augustine, we headed to Gainesville to witness the baptism of baby Kieran into the Church! It was great to spend some downtime with the nephews as well. Looking foward to having you all here for Easter!!

Gabe's mother, Mona, with the boys.


Love this precious boy!


Kieran smiled the whole time...

...until the water hit him :)


The godparents

Lovely mother!

These boys are growing up TOO fast!