COVID-19 and Baptisms
The Diocese of Lansing has given the parishes an outline on how to safely celebrate baptisms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All baptisms are minimal to no contact.  Baptisms will not take place at the font.  Instead, they will take place over a bowl with fresh holy water for each baptism.  Parents, godparents, and all in attendance are asked to wear face masks and practice social distancing.  Very young children and babies are not required to wear masks.

During the pandemic, only private, one family baptisms are being scheduled.  These baptisms must take place after the 5:00 PM or 11:00 AM Mass to ensure proper time to sanitize the church.

Baptism Preparation classes are currently being held in an independent online format.  These classes are necessary for anyone having their first child baptized.  

Baptism Registration and Preparation

Hallie Card, Baptism Program Coordinator
Deacon Kevin Orth
 

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
Luke 18:16

Congratulations on the birth of your child!

Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.

Baptisms for infants and children up to age seven are celebrated during the second full weekend of each month during one of the three weekend Masses (No Baptisms in the season of Lent). For questions, please contact Hallie Card at (517) 648-4812.  No stipend (gratuity) is expected for a Baptism during the Mass but we do ask a gratuity to be given to the presider (deacon or visiting priest) who does a Baptism after a Mass.

Please click here to register your child for Baptism.

SEE ABOVE FOR CHANGES IN SCHEDULING AND PREPARATION DUE TO THE PANDEMIC

2020 Baptism Weekend Dates:

January 11-12 ∙ February 8-9
May 9-10 ∙ June 13-14 ∙ July 11-12
August 8-9 ∙ September 12-13
October 10-11 ∙ November 14-15 ∙ December 12-13 

We encourage parents to sign up for and attend a Baptismal Preparation Class prior to the birth of your child.  Participation in this class is required for parents before the baptism of their first child.  It is held in our Parish offices, and godparents are strongly encouraged to attend.

Upcoming Baptismal Preparation Classes
are held quarterly in the months of
January
April
July
October

Arrangements for baptism and registration for the preparation class may be made by contacting the Baptism program coordinator Hallie Card

THINGS TO NOTE

• Parents must be registered members of St. Jude. 
• If the family is not a registered member here, we will need a letter from your current Catholic pastor stating you are registered member and giving us permission to baptize your child(ren).
• According to Canon Law, to be a Godparent, an individual must be a baptized and confirmed Catholic, over the age of 16, who is a registered member of a parish.  For non-parishioners, a letter from their pastor is required stating that they meet these requirements. 
• Only one Godparent is required, but if two are selected, one must be male and the other must be female.
•  Provided one Catholic Godparent is selected, a non-Catholic may serve as a Christian Witness.  According to Canon Law, to be a Christian Witness, an individual must be a baptized Christian who practices their faith.