Table of Contents
Introduction: Before Beginning: An Unexpected Story 13
Part I Beginnings: Baptism and Confirmation 21
Chapter 1 Bathed in New Life - Baptism
Softened with Showers 23
Prelude to Baptism 27
Parenting toward Possibility 32
Chapter 2 Celebrating Grace - Confirmation
Infertility's Long initiation 37
A Strong Hand on the Shoulder 42
The Spirit's Flashes 47
Part II Rhythms: Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick 53
Chapter 3 Broken for You - Eucharist
This Is My Body, Given for You 55
Lessons from the Dinner Table 58
Chrysalis in the Communion Line 61
Chapter 4 From Frustration to Forgiveness - Reconciliation
When He Loved the Sitter More than Me 67
Bad Moods and Breaking Bread 72
The Gift of the Pilgrimage 74
Chapter 5 Helping to Heal - Anointing of the Sick
Kneading Hands 81
The Wounds We Hold 88
When the Heart Breaks Open 91
Part III Callings: Marriage and Holy Orders 95
Chapter 6 Everyday Vows - Marriage
The Focal Point 99
I Do. Again. 104
Where the Story Begins 109
Chapter 7 Challenges of the Calling - Holy Orders
A Litany of the Dirty Work 113
Showered with Blessing 119
To My Children, Called in Childhood 124
In Gratitude 131
