Congratulations! Making the decision to have your child baptized in the Catholic faith is an eternal commitment to an abundant life. As a parish we want to support you and your family as much as possible. Infant Baptism is for children from birth to 7 years of age.
The love you share with your spouse has already named and brought this child into your family. With Baptism you are giving birth to your child once more- into the family of the Church. We welcome you and are excited to be a part of your child’s first step on their lifelong journey of faith.
Steps for Baptism Preparation
Step 1: Choose Godparents
Pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance in selecting godparents for your child.
- It is important to remember that the role of a godparent is to be a lifelong mentor in faith, not a legal guardian who would step in to raise your child if needed.
- You may choose two godparents (not the child’s parents), one male and one female. At least one must be an active, practicing Catholic in good standing.
- Godparents must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Be baptized Catholics who have received Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
- Provide a letter of good standing from their pastor.
- If married, have a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church.
- A baptized Christian from another denomination may serve as a Christian Witness alongside a Catholic godparent.
Step 2: Register as a Parishioner
Parents must be registered parishioners of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Attend weekly Mass and support the parish community. You can register online at www.olsos.org/register or contact the Parish Office at 313-884-5554.
Step 3: Submit Baptism Registration
Complete the Baptism Registration form and have the godparents or Christian Witness complete their forms. Email all documents to Mr. Jack Novak at [email protected]. Mr. Novak will guide you through the next steps, including enrolling in the online Baptism course.
Step 4: Complete the Online Baptism Course
Take the Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God course, designed to deepen your understanding of the sacrament and your role in your child’s faith journey. Submit your completion certificate to Mr. Novak to proceed.
Step 5: Attend a Follow-Up Meeting
This meeting will:
- Review the Sacrament of Baptism.
- Discuss insights from the Belonging course.
- Confirm all paperwork is complete.
- Address any questions.
Step 6: Schedule the Baptism
Baptisms are scheduled after the follow-up meeting and are held after the 11:30 am Mass on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month.
Forms:
- Baptism Registration Form
- Godparent Form (Complete one form for each godparent)
- What Is the Role of Godparents in the Church
"Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to 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 and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.”
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1213)
