Catholic Traditions in Crafts contains a delightful combination of crafts and ideas, many simple enough for children, and others designed for the serious crafter in mind.  Try out the sample craft below!

Special Occasions

Baptism

In the sacrament of baptism, the priest pours water on a person (or immerses him) and pronounces the words "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The one baptized is cleaned of the stain of original sin and is incorporated into Christ and made a member of His body, the Church. He is infused with sanctifying grace and receives the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit which enable him to receive the other sacraments effectively. A shell shaped container, connoting Christian pilgrimage, is sometimes used to dip water out of a larger container, then pour it on the baby's head. You can make a beautiful yet simple shell that can be used ceremony and kept as a remembrance of that important day.

Baptism Shell

Supplies Needed:

• a seashell such as a large cockle or oyster shell which
    could easily scoop up and hold a tablespoon of water
• fine-line permanent marker
• bottle of pearlized fabric paint
• clear acrylic spray

Directions:

Using the fine-tipped marker, carefully write or print the child's full baptismal name inside the shell. Write the date and the words "Holy Baptism." Using the pearlized fabric paint, carefully pipe a line of paint all around the shell. Let paint dry overnight. Finish by spraying several thin coats of clear acrylic spray. This will make the natural colors of the shell look bright and wet. Be careful! If the first coat of spray is too heavy, the words will run. It is better to spray the paint in very very thin coats, allowing each to dry before adding the next.

Hint: If you don't live near the beach, ask a seafood restaurant to give you an oyster shell, look for one in a craft shop, or ask around among your friends. Some shells used in cooking are available in specialty stores that sell cooking implements.