In our Church today, "worthy male members may receive the Aaronic Priesthood beginning at age 12. These young men receive many opportunities to participate in sacred priesthood ordinances and give service. As they worthily fulfill their duties, they act in the name of the Lord to help others receive the blessings of the gospel." In our family the boys look forward to this moment. It's like a right of passage for them to be able to pass the sacrament every Sunday. Generally, the Aaronic Priesthood, under the direction of the bishopric, has the responsibility to administer and pass the sacrament. In the Aaronic priesthood there are three levels, or offices: Deacon, teacher, and Priest. Dante is a deacon, as he becomes older he will have the opportunity to advance through these offices. As he advances he is given more responsibilities. Such as not only passing, but preparing AND blessing the sacrament. The day became even more exciting as it was all done on his birthday 12-27-2009 and Javier was able to lay his hands on his head and say a prayer, bless and ordain him into the Aaronic priesthood as a deacon. It was yet another moment in our lives where the heavens opened and sang to our spirits, and we got a certificate to remember the day always.
Dante also had the opportunity to enter the holy temple of the Lord.
What does a twelve year old boy do in a religious temple you ask? The answer? It's difficult to explain. Those who have passed on (Died, went toe up, keeled over, six feet down....etc.) have the ability to be baptized. Another question will demand itself to be answered. How can they be baptized? By the help of a twelve year old boy. Dante was baptized in proxy for some of those who have passed. "What is sealed on earth shall be sealed in heaven". It is considered a very high honor to go to the temple, and requires a level of worthiness. So, in other words, Dante is a stud.
and has graduated out of the Primary age kids and into the young mens program...
( I am excited to have gotten these certificates today after needing his middle name to be fixed and spelled correctly...That is the problem with unique names FYI)
I am so proud of Dante and for the choices he is making in life. I know that all those in our family who no longer walk the earth including our mom are also expressing a feeling of being proud when they look down on him. Dante is growing into such a wonderful young man. I look forward to the many more years of growth and knowledge he will receive in my home and in other places as well. If he could hear mom today she would say in the words of James Dean “Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.” We try to do just that....