Baptism
The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ. (CCC 1279)
Divine Life
The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.
At baptism, the presider prays over the water:
Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit. (Christian Initiation of Adults, #222A)
Freed from Sin
Baptism frees us from the bondage of original and actual sin. Water is poured in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Today, the sacrament of baptism is often performed on infants, shortly after birth. Adult baptisms take place at the Easter Vigil through the restored Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Adults or children who have been baptized in a valid Christian church are not baptized again in the Catholic church. As we say in the Nicene Creed, “I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins…”
Baptismal Symbols
- Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
- Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.
- Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
- White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.
Parents who wish to have their child baptized (ages infant to 6 years of age) should contact the Parish Office at 248-685-1482 or parishoffice@stmarymilfordmi.org to register their child. Parents who wish to have their child baptized (ages 7 and older) should contact the Faith Formation Office at 248-685-2702 or faithformation@stmarymilfordmi.org.
Baptism at St. Mary Church
Baptism date choices
You have a choice of when your child is baptized. There are two possibilities.
- Group Baptisms happen on the third Sunday of each month at 1:30 pm following the noon Mass. We allow up to 5 baptisms during this time.
- Baptisms are available during the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturdays or the Noon Mass on Sundays (excluding the 3rd Sunday) based on availability. Dates must be confirmed with the pastor prior to scheduling.
Requirements for Baptism at St. Mary Church
- Parents must be members of St. Mary Church. If not a member, permission must be granted from the family's parish.
- Parents and Godparents are required to attend a baptismal class prior to the sacrament. The baptismal class is scheduled once per month on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm. Currently, the class are presented via Zoom.
- A birth certificate with the county seal is required for the child being baptized that will remain with St. Mary Church.
- If they are not members of St. Mary Church, the Godparents will need a "Letter of Good Standing" from their parish prior to the baptism.
Contact Us to Schedule Your Child's Baptism
Upcoming Baptism Schedule
Baptism Class Baptism
January 14, 2025 January 19, 2025
February 11, 2025 February 16, 2025
March 11, 2025 March 16, 2025
April 8, 2025 April 13
May 13, 2025 May 18, 2025
June 10, 2025 June 15, 2025
July 15, 2025 July 20, 2025
August 12, 2025 August 17, 2025
September 16, 2025 September 21, 2025
October 14, 2025 October 19, 2025
November 11, 2025 November 16, 2025
December 16, 2025 December 21, 2025