St. Joseph Parish, St Johns at 109 Linden Street, St. Johns, MI 48879 US - Baptism Information

What does it take to raise a child in the faith? At a child’s baptism, we make promises to them; we promise to guide and form them in the Catholic Faith, to help them understand that the Church is their second home, and to shape a "domestic" church at home. As parents, we model the life of faith for our child.

"Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway of life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: ‘Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word’" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213).

"From the very day of Pentecost the Church has celebrated and administered holy Baptism" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1226). The pastoral staff at St. Joseph Catholic Church welcomes your child and family into the mystery of faith through baptism.

1. You must be registered members of Saint Joseph Catholic Church to have your child baptized here. This means that you are currently registered at this parish as a married couple – not that you are on your family’s registration as a child. If you are a member of another parish, you must obtain the written permission of your own pastor to have your child baptized at St. Joseph Catholic Church. This is a directive of the Diocese of Lansing. To register, please call the parish office at 224-8994 or e-mail stjoechurch@mutualdata.com.
2. The parents must intend to raise their child in the Catholic faith.
3. The parents must be in a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church. If not, call the parish office at 224-8994 or e-mail stjoechurch@mutualdata.com.
4. Parents must attend the baptismal preparation class. The dates and times of the baptism class can be found on the St. Joseph website under Sacramental Life.

Godparents must fulfill the requirements stated below.

1. There will be one Godfather and / or one Godmother.
2. To undertake the duty of Godparents, it is necessary:
1. That the person(s) be designated by the parents. Failing this, one will be designated by the pastor.
2. That the Godparents must be:
1. A practicing Catholic.
2. At least 16 years of age.
3. Received the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church.
4. Receives the Holy Eucharist.
5. Leads a life of faith in harmony with this duty.
6. Not the father or mother of the person to be baptized.
3. That he or she is not under a lawfully imposed or declared canonical penalty (e.g., a Catholic who has formally left the Catholic Church, etc.)
4. Godparents who are members of another Catholic parish are to obtain a letter from their parish stating they are in good standing. This letter is to be returned to the parish office by the Wednesday prior to the Baptism.
5. A baptized person belonging to a Christian, but non-Catholic, ecclesial community may be admitted as a witness to baptism, but only along with a Catholic godparent.

Please refer any questions to the Saint Joseph Parish Office at (989) 224-8994 or e-mail stjoechurch@mutualdata.com .