For more information on baptism contact Annie Kitching 517.351.5460

Requirements and Scheduling

• Baptisms in our parish are held on the first and third Sundays of each month at 12:15 p.m.

• Except in special circumstances, parents requesting to have their child baptized in our parish must be registered parishioners.  Parents registered in another parish must submit a letter from their pastor granting permission to baptize.  This letter should be addressed to:             

                        Rev. David J. Speicher, Pastor                         Or Fax:            517-351-7271
                        c/o Annie Kitching
                        St. Thomas Aquinas Parish
                        955 Alton Rd.
                        East Lansing, MI  48823

• So parents fully understand the commitment they make at the time of Baptism, we ask that they attend a baptism preparation conference prior to the baptism of their first child.  This is scheduled at the parents’ convenience and usually lasts from one to two hours.  Parents are welcome to bring the baby with them to the conference.
   
• When selecting your child’s godparents it is important to consider the depth of their faith and the worthiness of their Christian example.  Sometimes this means that in choosing the best godparents you must select people who cannot be physically present at your child’s baptism.  In this case we ask that those people you select as godparents make this commitment in writing rather than in person.  Let us know as soon as possible if a godparent cannot be present and we will send them a form which they can complete and return.

• New parents frequently find themselves evaluating their lives and relationship with the Church.  When parents have been inactive Catholics we request that they give themselves an “update” by attending a series of six classes which review Catholic belief.  This series is offered several times during the year.  Contact Joe Reynolds at 351-5460.
  

The Baptism 

We want this to be a happy, relaxed experience.  It is usually best if parents attend a Mass other than the 11 a.m. Mass the day of the baptism.  Also, things usually go better if the baby is fed beforehand. During the celebration you are welcome to do whatever you feel is necessary to make your baby comfortable - feeding the child, using a pacifier, etc. is just fine. Please don’t worry if your baby cries during the ceremony - it is expected!  (And you’ll never be with a more understanding group of people.)
There are usually from two to four babies baptized at one time; expect the baptism to last between forty and forty-five minutes.

WHERE IS THE BAPTISM HELD?  The celebration will begin in the Chapel.  During the rite we will move first to the font area, and finally to the altar.   It is often helpful if you meet your family members and guests near the font and usher them to the Chapel.  

WHO HOLDS THE BABY?  Parents should hold the baby during the celebration.  Years ago, when the rite was celebrated much differently, godparents held the child.  This is no longer appropriate.

ARE PHOTOGRAPHS ALLOWED?  Since photographs are a treasured keepsake for remembering your child’s baptism the celebrant will be happy to pose with you following the ceremony.  Please ask family and friends not to take photographs during the baptism except during the moment at the font when your child is baptized.  Photographs can distract from the reverence of the occasion and may irritate other participants.  We have found that photographers taking videotapes seem to be able to do so without being noticed - so camcorders are fine!

WHAT SHOULD THE BABY WEAR?  Please bring your child to church unclothed apart from a diaper (and a blanket for warmth)*.  Since the white garment is a sign of new life in Christ and the change that takes place at baptism the meaning is lost if the child arrives wearing it.

Parents should bring along a white garment.  It is most appropriate if the white garment is a long gown.
The origin of the white gown is the uniform worn by Roman soldiers, so the imagery is far from feminine.  The white baptismal garment is echoed in the floor-length albs worn by priests, deacons and other ministers.  This white garment is symbolic; it is not intended to look like ordinary clothing.   If you do not wish to go to the expense of a white gown, a white blanket is also appropriate.  This white garment should be laid out, ready to put on, in the choir seats or in the back pews near the font.  Near the conclusion of the rite, following the baptism with water and the anointing with the oil of Chrism, parents and godparents will dress the child in the white garment.  * If you have an older child being baptized, please talk to Annie about these details.

WHEN IS THE CHILD DRESSED IN THE WHITE GARMENT?  This takes place nearly at the end of the rite, after the baptism.  There is no reason to be anxious about this; the celebrant will tell you when to dress the child.  Please share this information with the godparents (and grandparents, if necessary!).  Even when the parents know what to expect occasionally other people who aren’t sure, become anxious.

IS THERE A FEE?  It is traditional for a contribution to be given to the celebrant at the time of baptism, however this is not a fee and it is not required.  This donation has both the elements of a gift to the celebrant, and a sacrificial offering.  An average gift would be between $15 and $25.  This gift may be handed directly to the celebrant following the baptism or given to Mrs. Kitching to pass on to him.  If you feel more comfortable, it may be mailed to him later.