Baptism is the premier sacrament of the Church, giving all of us our beginning in the life of Christ and in the Church. It is always an action of the risen Christ and, ideally should be celebrated with the fullest participation of the Parish community within the Sunday Eucharist.
As the first of the sacraments, Baptism prepares for the regular sharing in the Eucharist. Neither sacrament can be understood in isolation from the other. This implies that for an infant to be baptized, there must be some real expectation that the Eucharist will follow. Without at least one parent living this 'practice of faith' in his or her own life, there would be no living link to lead the baptized child into the experience of Eucharist.
The normal and practical 'sign of faith' is that parents be registered in the Parish and regularly sharing in the life of that community at the Eucharistic table. At least one parent must be a registered parishioner one month prior to the actual baptism. When the parent's wedding has not been celebrated 'in the Church,' steps can be taken to have it 'blessed' and honored as a fully Christian marriage and sign of Christ's love.
Godparents
Because godparents support parents in the important task of raising their child in the Catholic faith, at least one of the godparents must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic, sixteen years of age or older. We ask that godparents prepare for their role in this child's sacramental life by either attending the baptism seminar or by reading and preparing a written reflection on a Catholic Update provided by the parish.
The Parents' Baptism Seminar is a preparation for parents who are expecting a child or have young children to present for Baptism. These sessions will present the theological and historical, as well as the practical aspects of Baptism.
This sacramental preparation seminar is offered approximately every six weeks. The seminar takes place on a weekday evening.
If you have attended a baptism seminar within the last three years, you are encouraged (but not required) to attend the seminar again. There is a nominal fee to cover the cost of materials and supplies.
Baptismal Celebrations
Baptisms are celebrated during the Sunday liturgy at any of the Masses at either parish site three times a year: Labor Day weekend, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (early January), and on Mother's Day weekend. Baptisms are also generally celebrated on the first Sunday of the month at St. Thomas Aquinas Church after the 11:00am Mass and on the third Sunday of the month at St. John Student Center after the Noon Mass.
Please ask for this year's schedule and a baptism registration form through either parish office as soon as possible so that we can be in touch with you before the session.
Parents provide an environment and the personal example that will foster and nurture the child's faith. We hope that this experience of sacramental preparation helps provide a foundation for the future of your family.
For more information, please contact Al Weilbaecher at 517.351-5460 ext. 329.
Registration for Baptism is located in the right column.
Sacrament Baptism for Children