McHenry County Blog

9/20/6 - Named after his great-grandfather Vincent Giangrasso and his grandfather Douglas Pittman, Vincent Douglas Fritz was dedicated to God this past Sunday at St Mary's Catholic Faith Community in Hale’s Corners, Wisconsin.

It’s a new Catholic Church with a spacious, splendid sanctuary.

As one enters the space for worship, Holy Water continuously flows over the edges of a seven-sided brownish red granite font. From there, it flows down to a small step-down pool, where it is re-circulated. The font reminded me of a well.

Although other babies were baptized at other services, Vincent Douglas was the only one to receive the sacrament at the 11 o’clock service.

To say he was the center of attention of the service would be an understatement. This was one elaborate Baptism.

Catholic Priest Chuck Schramm presided over Sunday’s service. With his portable and almost invisible sound system, he was able to communicate seamlessly with the worshipers from throughout the large room.

After the homily, given by Mary Matestic (more below), Father Schramm, two white-robed altar girls and one boy, plus the family, preceded up the center aisle to the entrance to the church, where Holy Water flowed from the granite baptismal font.

Father Schramm invited the children to come closer. Some adults came as well.

There was a raising of hands throughout the room to bless the child in mother Kristy’s arms.

Vincent Douglas was baptized with Todd, his beaming father, Godfather Joey Giangrasso and Godmother Amy Billman standing nearby.

The priest then anointed the baby’s forehead with frankincense oil, making the sign of the cross.

Father Todd looked on, still beaming.

The Baptismal candle was lit from the large Pascal (Easter) candle next to the font.

The burning candle was handed to the family.

Godfather Joey cupped his hands around the flame to keep it from blowing out.


Godmother Amy was not alone in shedding a tear.

The newly dedicated child’s family then returned to their front row pews, while Todd, Kristy and Vincent Douglas, plus Godparents Amy and Joey went to the large altar.

There, Father Schramm presented the child to the congregation. He seemed to enjoy himself immensely.
Holy Communion followed.

After the mass ended--well into its second hour—Father Schramm greeted the family.

Then, the posed pictures on the altar were taken.

All seemed to be enjoying themselves. The photo I like best is the one with Kristy with a binky in her mouth.

Before the Baptism, Mary Matestic gave a most thoughtful homily about listening. She even educated the parishioners about a Quaker meeting.

On Sunday, Quakers sit silently in their meeting houses awaiting a call to speak. Matestic’s message was that listening was more important than speaking. You can read it here.

Although not aimed at the extended Fritz family sitting in front waiting for the ceremony, it seemed an appropriate message.

Naturally, Italians never get together without eating.

So, a celebratory dinner was held at a nearby Italian restaurant called "That’s Amore."

There great-grandparents Lonnie and Vincent Giangrasso, grandparents Donna and Doug Pittman, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends ate wonderful Italian meals.

= = = =
So, I’m a great uncle…again.

Time to buy another crystal bowl from Kurt Strobach for his wedding present.