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 here to share that journey of faith with you and your family!

Baptisms are celebrated here at St. Joseph Parish on most Sundays at 2:00 p.m.  There is much “young 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.

The first step is to call Kathy Hasty, our Pastoral Associate, at 248,693,0440, ext. 211. Kathy will go over the necessary steps with you and arrange an appointment to talk with you, to complete paperwork, and to schedule the baptism. To have your child baptised at St. Joseph Church, we ask the following:

• Be a registered parishioner, or if you are new to the area, we ask that you register at one of our “Welcome to the Parish” meetings, held on a designated Sunday each month.  (Certain exceptions are made for out-of-parish families whose family members are parishioners.) 

• Attend a one-evening Baptism class for parents.  Kathy 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.

Kathy 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!