No, we are in the Lethbridge stake.

I wasn’t referring to whether he is supposed to be there or not. I was referring to courtesy. I still believe he should have at least mentioned it (since Kim was in the meetings with him in the morning, it wouldn’t have been hard). After all, this is our baby.

The only reason why a bishop shouldn’t be in the circle is if the Stake President or another higher authority is in attendance and presiding at the meeting. Just because some bishops don’t fully understand their roles and responsibilities doesn’t mean that it’s O.K. Actually, it’s funny in a case like this – when proper procedure is followed – that we view it as being strange or wrong. Just goes to show you how far we have drifted in our sea of complacency in Southern Alberta (and other area’s too I’m sure).

The following is taken from Book One of the Church Handbook of instructions. Hopefully more bishops and stake presidents will read and follow:

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A priesthood leader who oversees an ordinance or blessing ensures that the person who performs it has the necessary priesthood authority, is worthy, and knows and follows the proper procedures. Leaders also seek to make the ordinance or blessing a reverent and spiritual experience.
When ordinances or blessings are performed in sacrament meeting, the bishop ensures that they are performed properly. To avoid embarrassing a priesthood holder, the bishop quietly corrects errors only if essential elements of the ordinance or blessing are incorrect.

Participation in Ordinances and Blessings

Only brethren who hold the necessary priesthood and are worthy may perform an ordinance or blessing or stand in the circle. Those who participate are usually limited to priesthood leaders, close family members, and close associates such as home teachers.

When several brethren participate in an ordinance or blessing, each one places his right hand lightly on the person’s head (or under the baby being blessed) and his left hand on the shoulder of the brother to his left. Large numbers of brethren are discouraged from participating in a single ordinance or blessing.

Leaders encourage worthy fathers who hold the necessary priesthood to perform or participate in ordinances and blessings for their own children.

Family members are usually invited to attend when a person receives an ordinance or blessing.

Performing an Ordinance or Blessing in Another Ward

To act as voice when naming and blessing a child, baptizing or confirming a person, ordaining a person to a priesthood office, or dedicating a grave, a priesthood holder who is outside his own ward should show the presiding officer a current temple recommend or a Recommend to Perform an Ordinance form (obtained from his bishopric).

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You will note that it does not explicitly say that the Bishop or Stake President needs to stand in the circle, but I can think of no other way for them to quietly correct the priesthood holder who acts as voice if they are not standing next to them. Note that council has been given to Bishops and Stake Presidents regarding this matter in local priesthood training meetings.

Hope that helps.

Shouldn’t he have asked if that was ok before doing that? Not all Bishops participate in baby blessings (I have seen blessings where the Bishop has not participated). I don’t have a problem with him being in the circle, but I do think he should have asked Kim if it was alright if he joined in, as a courtesy. The Bishop always does, if not asked to join.

Mary: The Stake President joined in the baby blessing circle because he was the presiding priesthood officer at the meeting where the blessing was being held and he presides over any priesthood ordinance being performed. On the off chance that something is done improperly during the blessing, the SP is to correct the situation.

If it’s down in Calgary, there is usually a family gathering directly after sacrament. With so many people from so many different locations attending, we gather for a family dinner as quickly as possible after sacrament so family has time to eat, visit a bit and then travel back to their various and far off destinations. So I guess I’m choosing family over church on these occasions. And I’ll probably do it again! :)