Geneva's Taufe (Baptism)

Geneva was baptized on the 3rd of August, 2008 in Abbey Corvey Hoexter, Germany

We had the ceremony in the same church (in Sebastian's home town) and by the same priest as our Wedding. Pictured: Josef , Sebastian, Ashley and little Geneva Risse, Barbara and Matthias Fuhrmann, Helga Braun and Gisela Risse

 

Sebastian's Aunt and Uncle Ilka and Werner Grote with their daughter's partner Gabrielle

Our Priest and close friend of the family, Andreas Kurte

Since Abby Corvey is a well know church and quite beautiful, there are always tourists running around. We had the ceremony behind the alter where the monks used to sit, so it would be private and off limits to the public.

Everyone was to make a special wish for Geneva and make the sign of the cross on her head. Sebastian passed her around the group.

The baptism water was taken from the Weser river that runs thru Hoexter and all the way to the North Sea. We were given a glass jar of the water after the ceremony as a keepsake (and just in case it wears off).

Father Kurte dried off her little head so her hair would look nice in the pictures.

Next came the holy oils, which he used to make the sign of the cross on her forehead

Barbara and Matthias Fuhrmann (Godparents and Sebastian's sister and her husband) lit Geneva's baptism candle.

We all prayed together

Then sang together

Irmgard and Bernhard Disselhoff (Sebastian's Godmother and her husband) sang and played the guitar.

Gabrielle and Sebastian's cousin Stefanie

Group photo taken by a friendly German tourist

We moved on to Gisela and Josef's house for coffee, champagne and cake, followed by a delicious ham and potato gratin dinner.

Cutting of the marzipan cake (Sebastian's favorite). This cake puts all American cakes to shame! Those are fresh chocolate truffels around the edge.

The passing of the baby commenced with Ilka and Werner

Proud Oma (Grandmother) Gisela

We all practiced our German childrens songs for Geneva while Bernhard strummed the guitar