The Rev. John Schaeffer, priest-in-charge of All Saints Church in Brighton Heights, has been quite busy baptizing babies and children since last July. Since that time, he has baptized 8 children! A little over a year ago, All Saints parish did not have any children in the parish and now, they not only have baptized children but also a growing Sunday school! What is behind this enormous surge in baptisms? It could have something to do with an innovative idea that Fr. John created — a baptismal letter.
Fr. John delivers a sermon in the form of a letter addressed to the baptized child. After he reads the letter, he presents it to the parents in front of the congregation. Each letter is individually written to the child, and contains Fr. John’s heartfelt sentiments about the Christian faith, and his hope that the child will not only grow in the Christian faith but also strive to lead a life of purpose. Fr. John is hopeful that the children’s parents will keep the letter close at hand, refer to it, and share it with the child as he/she grows to adulthood.
Fr. John would love to see this practice become a Pittsburgh Diocese tradition. He recently shared this idea and already, another priest in the diocese has begun this new custom. Fr. John is now getting his pencil sharp since he recently learned that he may have three more baptisms in the near future. What a way to grow.