Baptism

"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17)
 

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Just as God proclaimed his love for Jesus at his Baptism, God calls each of us "beloved" when our souls are made holy in the waters of Baptism. We are no longer spiritual orphans separated from God by original sin. We become adopted sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven who loves and cherishes us beyond measure.

Baptism is the beginning of our Christian journey. For Catholics, often that comes literally at the beginning of life (as with a new baby) but sometimes it comes later in life (for converts to the Faith or for those who missed a Sacrament). If you have a little one you would like to have baptized (newborn through age 6), please continue reading our Baptism process below. If you have an older child or you are an adult seeking Baptism into the Catholic faith, please visit our Becoming Catholic page.

Congratulations on your new little one! We rejoice with you as you welcome this gift from God and prepare him/her for initiation into God’s family and into the faith we share. We pray that this will begin a grace-filled journey of faith for your child that will be life-long. We are happy to share that journey with you and your family!

Baptisms are celebrated St. Joseph Parish most Sundays at 2:00 p.m. There is much “new life” here at our parish, and so a “typical” Sunday baptism ceremony will include 3-5 babies with their families and friends. Either our pastor, associate pastor, or deacon presides at the baptism, with trained laypersons from our parish assisting. We ask that our baptism families arrive at the church by 1:45 p.m. so that everyone can be seated and ready to begin on time.

How Do I Arrange For A Baptism?
The first step is to contact Suzie Fazzini via the form on our staff page or by phone at 248,693,0440, ext. 226. Suzie will go over the necessary steps with you and will arrange an appointment to talk with you, to complete paperwork, and to schedule the Baptism. (Please check with Suzie for available Baptism dates before making any plans!)

To have your child baptized at St. Joseph Church, we ask the following:

Be a member of the parish. If you’re not registered with us already, but you live in the area and attend Mass here, our staff members are happy to register you at the Welcome Desk or by appointment. If you presently live out of the area but have family here and want your child baptized here, a letter of permission will be needed from the parish where you are currently registered or where you reside.

Attend a one-evening Baptism class for parents. Debbie will provide you with dates – usually the fourth Tuesday of each month. (Exceptions are made for parents who have previously attended this class.)

Continue to form this child in the Catholic faith, through Mass participation, Sacraments, religious education, and be an active part of the faith community.  The life of faith that begins at Baptism must be continually nurtured and shaped as your child grows.

Make a careful and prayerful selection of Godparents. Choose persons who will be a special, supportive presence in the child’s life and who can help you to nurture the child’s faith and spiritual growth. At least one Godparent must be a practicing Catholic, generally at least 16 years of age, who has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. The second Godparent, if not another Catholic, must be a baptized and believing Christian.

Debbie will gladly answer any questions you might have. Again, congratulations, and we are glad to have you and your family with us! Know that we are here to support you and to share this journey of faith with you. God bless you!