Contents Introduction: Before Beginning--An Unexpected Story Part I: Beginnings: Baptism and Confirmation 9 Chapter 1: Bathed in New Life--Baptism 11 Softened with Showers 11 Prelude to Baptism 16 Parenting toward Possibility 22 Chapter 2: Celebrating Grace--Confirmation 29 Infertility's Long Initiation 29 A Strong Hand on the Shoulder 36 The Spirit's Flashes 42 Part II: Rhythms: Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick 49 Chapter 3: Broken for You--Eucharist 51 This Is My Body, Given for You 51 Lessons from the Dinner Table 55 Chrysalis in the Communion Line 59 Chapter 4: From Frustration to Forgiveness--Reconciliation 65 When He Loved the Sitter More than Me 65 Bad Moods and Breaking Bread 71 The Gift of the Pilgrimage 74 Chapter 5: Helping to Heal--Anointing of the Sick 82 Kneading Hands 82 The Wounds We Hold 90 When the Heart Breaks Open 94 Part III: Callings: Marriage and Holy Orders 99 Chapter 6: Everyday Vows--Marriage 102 The Focal Point 102 I Do. Again. 109 Where the Story Begins 115 Chapter 7: Challenges of the Calling--Holy Orders 120 A Litany of the Dirty Work 120 Showered with Blessing 127 To My Children, Called in Childhood 134 In Gratitude 143.