Vantage Point: A Child's Eye View of Baptism

I've covered every rite of passage in the Christian church - weddings, confirmations, First Communions, even funerals - but my favorite rite, by far, is that of baptism, specifically baptism of infants and children. There is the ritual of the baptismal gown - usually a billowy white satin or lace affair that's sometimes accompanied by a coordinating bonnet. And there is the child's reaction to the cold baptismal waters - a reaction that is, at best, mild curiosity, and, at worst, an ear-piercing scream. Usually, though, the high point is their reaction to the baptismal candle. There is something soothing and magical in the glow of the dancing flame, I suspect. 

Firstborn, Photograph by Shannon Finney May 26, 2013 at Historic Christ Church, Alexandria, VA

Waiting His Turn, Photograph by Shannon Finney May 26, 2013 at Historic Christ Church, Alexandria, VA

The Blessing, Photograph by Shannon Finney May 26, 2013 at Historic Christ Church, Alexandria, VA

Make a Wish, Photograph by Shannon Finney May 26, 2013 at Historic Christ Church, Alexandria, VA

A Woman's Place

Bishop Jane, photographed March 2012 in Alexandria, VA by Shannon Finney

Since March is Women's History Month, it's a great time to celebrate a trailblazer in the Episcopal church,
the Rt. Rev. Jane Holmes Dixon. In 1992, she was consecrated in 1992 as Suffragan Bishop of he Episcopal Diocese of Washington. She is the second woman to take the office of bishop in the Episcopal Church, and the third in the worldwide Anglican Communion. Now retired, Bishop Jane is continuing to encourage
a new generation of women in church leadership. Recently, I photographedBishop Jane at Christ Church Alexandria, VA as she celebrated a special service for International Women's Day, proving, once
again, that a woman's place is wherever she chooses.