Baptism

Baptisms occur the second Sunday of each month following the 12:00pm Mass.

Requirements:  Participation in 1 Baptismal class held the Wednesday evening before the second Sunday of each month is required for parents.  Parents must be registered parishioners in good standing for at least three (3) months prior to the scheduled baptism.

Godparents:  Must be Christian, and at least one Godparent must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church;  this may require a letter from the Godparent's Pastor if they are a non parishioner.

First Reconciliation

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation is typically received in the 2nd grade prior to the Sacrament of First Eucharist.  If you are enrolled in St. Joseph School, the preparation is taught in the Relgion curriculum.  The St. Joseph Religious Education policy requires that you be in a Religious Education program at least one year prior to receiving a sacrament. 

If you choose to have your First Eucharist at any other time you must arrange it through the Faith Formation office. Contact the Faith Formation office for more information.

First Eucharist

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is typically received in the 2nd grade after the reception of First Reconciliation.  If you are enrolled in St. Joseph School, the preparation is taught in the Religion curriculum.  The St. Joseph Religious Education policy requires that you must be in a Religious Education program at least one year prior to receiving a sacrament. 

If you choose to have your First Eucharist at any other time you must arrange it through the Faith Formation office.  Contact the Faith Formation office for more information.

Confirmation

Students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to begin preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, allowing each individual student time for study, thought and prayer before the commitment to becoming confirmed is set.  Confirmaton candidates are asked to do various service hours such as visiting nursings homes, Epiphany dinners for parents and family, Right to Life events, "Food Fast" 12 hour lock-in and a three day retreat. Confirmation candidates will have several interviews with Fr. Bill and the Director of Faith Formation during the year to discern commitment to the Confirmation Process and the future that lies ahead of them. Confirmation candidates interested in this sacrament begin preparation in the fall of every year and after the appropriate time, will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.  We also encourage Parents/Guardians and Sponsors to attend the sessions. Contact the Faith Formation Office for more information, to register or to volunteer to sponsor a student.

Marriage

Couples wishing to be married in the Catholic Church should contact the Parish Office at least nine (9) months prior to the anticpated wedding date to schedule the Church and fulfill marriage preparation class requirements.

Anointing of the Sick

Anointing Mass - First Wednesday after the 8:00am Mass.  Please contact the Parish Office if you or someone you love becomes ill, seriously injured, is schedule for surgery, a hospital stay or is struggling with mental illness or addiction.  If the illness or accident is an emergency, please call 517.546.0090 and press 1 to contact one of our priests.

You may also choose to place your name or the name of someone you love on our Parish Prayer Chain. 

Becoming a Catholic - RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a formation process for individuals who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, and ultimately it is the process leading adults choosing to follow the steps of the Rite to the Sacrament of confirmation as a Catholic.  A period of "inquiry", or questioning is the first step in the formation process.  The inquiry phase provides an opportunity for people from other faith traditions to ask questions about what it means to be a member of the Catholic Church.  it is a time for people to consider how the Catholic faith can renew and strengthen their spiritual lives.  RCIA begins in the fall of each year and culminates at Easter Vigil.  Contact Faith Formation 517.546.0090 Ext 400 for additional information.