On Sunday 10^th January, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we welcomed the families of those who had been baptised throughout 2015 to the Sunday morning Mass at St Alban’s.

This was the first of our ‘Crossing the Threshold’ events. As a way to remember and celebrate their recent baptism, we recalled two of the symbols used in the sacrament during Mass.

Firstly, a candle was given as a gift for each of the children that had been invited. Light warms and encourages, it gives safety and illuminates the way ahead. The candles symbolise Christ as the Light of the World, reminding us that as Christians, we do our best to live like Jesus wants us to and spread that goodness to the rest of the world.

Naming is another significant symbol and as the names of all those who had been baptised in the parish during 2015 were read aloud, and the Paschal candle was lit, we remembered how unique and important to our community these children and their families are.

Following Mass, the families and other parishioners shared in a beautiful cake and enjoyed time together in the Parish hall.

Many thanks to those who were able to join us for this special celebration and we hope you will join us again for our next ‘Crossing the Threshold’ event.