Sage's baptism

Today was a meaningful day both for our step granddaughter Sage and for Carolyn and me.

For Sage it was her baptism day. She recently turned 8, the age at which Mormons consider children capable of understanding right from wrong and old enough to appreciate the seriousness of making promises. To that end Mormon children from their 7th birthday on receive special instruction on the meaning and importance of baptism.

The ceremony is simple yet impressive, especially for an 8 year old. After a brief introductory talk about baptism (which in this case was given by Sage’s aunt Jenny) Sage and her grandfather Ed stepped down into the baptismal font which is about 12 feet by 6 feet and filled with warm water to about 3 feet in depth. All the children in the room crowded together at the edge of the font to see the event clearly. Ed then took Sage by the hand, pronounced a short prayer, and submerged her quickly but completely in the water. He began pulling her out as soon as she was completely immersed.

Ed and Sage went to the locker rooms where they changed into dry clothes. When they returned to the meeting, we heard another talk, this time by Aunt Jessica about the Holy Ghost. Then several Elders of the church placed their hands on Sage’s head, confirmed upon her the Holy Ghost, membership in the church, and other blessings the speaker deemed appropriate as led by the spirit.

Cake and punch were served down the hall after the meeting.

Congratulations, Sage!