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 of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission" (CCC #1213).
Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation. It "[lays] the foundation of the Christian life... The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the Sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these Sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity" (CCC #1212).
Infant Baptism Requests
If you wish to request an infant Baptism at the Church of the Resurrection, please click here to fill out the Baptism Request form.
Baptism for School-Aged Children
The Church of the Resurrection partners with families who are seeking initiation into the Church for their school-aged children who attend Resurrection School, who are homeschooled, or who attend public or other schools in the area. Whatever your family's specific situation is, we will work with you individually to assist you and your children along the way. For more information about Baptism for school-aged children, please contact Debbie McPherson at [email protected] or at the parish office, (517) 482-4749.
Baptism for Adults
If you are an adult seeking information about Baptism, please visit our our Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)page for more information.
Baptism Guidelines at the Church of the Resurrection
1. Registering With the Parish
Parents of the child to be baptized must be registered members of the Church of the Resurrection for at least two months prior to scheduling a Baptism. If you are not already registered you may do so byregistering here.
2. Selecting Godparents
Godparents play a very important role in your child’s spiritual life. They should serve as role models of the faith. The child should be able to look to their godparent as an example of how the Church teaches us to live our Catholic faith. They should support not only the child but you, the parents, as well. Additionally, in their role as godparent, they represent the larger Church community. Therefore, being a godparent is not only an honor, it is a tremendous responsibility. Therefore, the godparents should be carefully chosen. In recognizing the importance of the godparents and their duties, the Church has provided guidelines to help parents choose the best possible godparents for their children. The Church of the Resurrection strictly adheres to Canon Law in all aspects of Baptism. If potential godparents are not practicing members of the church or have converted from the Catholic faith to any other faith, they should not be considered and will not be accepted. The Church requirements for Roman Catholic godparents are:
- A child must have one practicing Roman Catholic godparent in good standing with the Church.
- This Catholic godparent must be at least 16 years old and be mature enough to understand, accept and carry out the duties of a godparent.
- A godparent must have received the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
- A godparent must be living an exemplary life consistent with faith and morals as taught by the Roman Catholic Church.
- A non-Catholic, baptized Christian may be chosen as a Christian Witness, as long as one godparent is Catholic.
- If two godparents are chosen, they may not be of the same sex.
- There may be no more than two (2) godparents.
- If both are Catholic, both must meet all the criteria above.
3. Sponsor Letters
All godparents, other than those from the Church of the Resurrection and Christian Witnesses, must obtain a certificate/letter from their own parish/church stating that they are members in good standing and are eligible to act as a godparent for Baptism. These sponsor letters should be submitted to the Church of the Resurrection office as soon as possible after the initial Baptism registration. Without these letters there may be a postponement of your child’s Baptism.
4. Baptism Preparation Class
If you are a first-time parent OR new to the Church of the Resurrection you will need to make an appointment with Fr. Steve. Here is a link to his calendar. We ask that all parents review the first 3 episodes of the "Reborn" series on www.formed.org. Encourage Godparents to also watch before the Baptism ceremony.
“Reborn” is found under Programs, then Sacraments. Episode 1 is "New Creation," Episode 2 is "Entering the Mystery," and Episode 3 is "Nurturing." If you have watched this before, it is worth revisiting as it invites wonderful conversation and discovery.
If you do not have a Formed account, sign up as parishioner by searching for “Resurrection, Lansing” and select our parish address.
5. Scheduling the Baptism
Baptisms are typically scheduled after the 11:00am Mass on Sunday. This date will be worked out after receiving the Baptism Request form.
6. Naming your Child
The name you select in addition to your family name will provide your child with a unique identity. The long standing tradition of the Church has been to give at least one name of a saint or person from our Biblical tradition. A Christian name will provide your child with a model for Christ-centered living.
7. Pictures at the Baptism
Photographs and videos are encouraged at the Sacrament of Baptism. These are excellent means of sharing the memory of this joyous and special day with your child as he/she grows in age and faith. They will also turn out to be a good teaching tool. Please be sure to follow the instructions of the celebrant to insure that you will be getting the best pictures and not interfering with the Sacrament.
8. Clothing and Candle
A white Baptismal gown is customary, but not required. Please bring outfit to the Church. You will dress your baby at a specific moment of the Rite. The parish will provide a Baptismal candle for your child. After the ceremony it will be yours to keep as a reminder of this joyous milestone. The candle can be burned on your child's Baptismal anniversary each year and when the child receives other Sacraments in the future.
9. Baptismal Record and Certificate
The Baptism will be recorded in the permanent records of the parish from the information you provide. Therefore, please be sure of the accuracy of information and the spelling of names. A Baptismal certificate will be given to you following the Baptism. Later, whenever a certificate might be needed it can be prepared from the parish record.
For more information about Baptism for infants, adults, or school-aged children, please contact Debbie McPherson at [email protected] or at the parish office, (517) 482-4749.
