This past Sunday, at the time for birthday and anniversary blessings, I went forward to have a blessing for the anniversary of my baptism.
Afterward, several people told me that they had no idea of the date of their baptism! I know my date because there's a story behind it (and it's written in my Book of Common Prayer, too.)
My parents were married on June 14, 1964, in Tallahassee. Though they were both cradle Episcopalians, they were both also divorced. Their divorces happened before they met, but still, despite appeals, the bishop would not allow them to marry in the Episcopal Church. So, they were married in a Methodist church. (So, this day is also their 54th anniversary! Hooray!)
One year later, on their first wedding anniversary, I was baptized. At the same service, their marriage was blessed by The Episcopal Church.
I have thoughts about the unfairness/silliness of those practices from 53 years ago. But the point of this post is, the anniversary of my Holy Baptism is important to me. On that day I formally became a member of the household of God, of that particular flavor. My godparents were two aunts and an uncle: Emily and Oliver Osborn, and Lou Butler.
I don't believe baptism is magic. I believe it's important.
Do you know the date you were baptized? You can call the church and ask...
