“Baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ: ‘Therefore . . . we are members one of another.' (Eph 4:25) Baptism incorporates us into the Church. From the baptismal font is born the one People of God of the New Covenant, which transcends all the natural or human limits of nations, cultures, races, and sexes: ‘For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.'(1 Cor 12:13)”
 

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1267

Having your son or daughter baptized is a great act of love for your child. Our parish is happy to help you arrange the baptism. We realize that you may have questions about the process, so we have prepared an FAQ to answer some of the most common questions. To start the process of scheduling a baptism, please contact Fr. Brad by email or phone (906-632-9625).
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is required for a child to be baptized at St. Joseph Parish?

The Catholic Church requires there be a "founded hope" that the child will be raised in the Catholic religion and that at least one parent consent to the baptism. Fr. Brad will provide some preparation for parents prior to the baptism of their first child. He also meets with families who are new to the parish prior to the Baptism in order to get to know them better. Parents should normally either live within the parish boundaries or be registered at the parish.

If I live outside of town or am a member of a different parish, can my child be baptized at St. Joseph Parish?

Yes! Simply have your pastor write a letter to Fr. Brad saying that he has no objections to the baptism being done here. 

What are the requirements for godparents?

Sponsors must (canons 872–874):

1. Have the aptitude and intention of helping the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it.

2. Have completed the sixteenth year of age (exceptions can be granted to this norm for a just cause).

3. Be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on. This would include, if married, having been married according to the marriage laws of the Catholic Church.

4. Not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared.

5. Not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.

6. If there are two godparents, one must be male and the other female; otherwise, a single godparent of either sex is sufficient.

A baptized non-Catholic can be admitted in place of one sponsor as a witness to the Baptism (canon 874, §2). In this case there must also be a Catholic sponsor who meets the requirements listed above.
 

When are baptisms scheduled?

Baptisms can be scheduled most days of the week, depending on the priest's availability. Most often, they are scheduled after 5:00 PM Mass on Saturday or the 10:00 AM Mass on Sunday. 

What if my child is no longer an infant; is it too late to schedule a baptism?

Absolutely not! Depending on the child's age, he or she may need to follow a different process of preparation. Each situation is a little bit different, and our pastor will help you figure out what needs to be done for the baptism to take place.

What if I am an adult who wants to be baptized?

We can help you too. Please see our page about becoming Catholic.