This Sunday, September 6, 2020, Father Doug Decker had the honor of welcoming two new members into the Catholic Church when he baptized cousins Riley Rey-Ann Dukett and Jonathan Artemus Doane.
     Both babies come from a long line of faithful St. Alphonsus parishioners. Riley's parents are Mathew and Amanda Dukett, grandparents are Nancy and John Merrihew and Cindy and Scot Dukett and Godparents were Rebecca (Dukett) Doane and Joseph Merrihew.
     Parents of Jonathan are Rebecca Dukett Doane and Jonathan Doane, grandparents are Cindy and Scot Dukett and James Doane and Susan Jones, and the Godparents were Amanda and Mathew Dukett.
     These Baptisms were held outside, on the side lawn of St. Alphonsus Holy Name Parish. Many family members, and some parishioners, gathered around for this sacred and extra special event. The outdoor Baptism easily enabled social distancing for those attending. Father Decker's outdoor creativity also allowed for Riley and Jonathan 's siblings, Alexis and Elowen, to enhance the joyful celebration by ringing the giant bell on the side lawn. In an attempt to salvage many of the treasures of Holy Name Parish, Father Decker recently had that bell moved from the former Holy Name Church bell tower to the lawn of St Alphonsus. Judging by the reactions of the children and adults in attendance, it certainly added to the joy of this baptismal celebration.