Baptism & Marriage Preparation
At St. Michael Catholic Church, the Sacraments are at the heart of our parish life. From Baptism to the Anointing of the Sick, we accompany individuals and families as they prepare to receive the gift of Grace through the Sacraments.
Some of the Sacraments in the parish require special planning and preparation. Please use the links to learn how to begin the preparation process at our parish!
Baptism
Marriage
Preparing for Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation into the Catholic faith. Through the waters of Baptism, we are cleansed of original sin, become members of the Body of Christ, and are welcomed into the Church family.
Preparation for infant and young child Baptism consists of one class to help first-time parents understand the meaning of the Sacrament and their role in raising their child in the faith.
Step 1: Schedule your Class
If you are baptizing your first child, please schedule your Baptism class to understand the meaning of Baptism and your role in raising your child in the Catholic faith by calling one of our teams of Baptism Instructors.
Step 2: Schedule the Baptism
Baptisms are typically scheduled after weekend Masses. Use the link below to view the available dates and times for the Sacrament of Baptism. Please email Fr. Phil Smith at psmith@toledodiocese.org to schedule the Baptism.
Step 3: Complete this Form
Each parish keeps a thorough sacramental record which begins with Baptism. Please complete the form by using the link below:
Marriage Preparation
Marriage is not just a personal commitment – it is a spiritual one, rooted in grace and blessed by the Church. This sacrament gives couples the strength to live out their vows with love, forgiveness, and fidelity throughout life’s joys and challenges.
Preparation for marriage consists of scheduling marriage preparation classes with your priest and participating in the Engaged Couples Workshop. Couples are also strongly encouraged to sign up for a course in Natural Family Planning (NFP).
Important Note: Arrangements need to be made at least 6 months prior to your anticipated wedding date to allow for participation in the marriage preparation process.
Step 1: Schedule the Wedding Date & Marriage Prep Classes
Please reserve the church for your anticipated wedding date and schedule marriage prep by contacting Fr. Phil Smith at psmith@toledodiocese.org.
Please let him know if you are planning to have an outside priest/deacon celebrate the marriage liturgy.
Step 2: Attend the Engaged Couples Workshop
All couples married in the Diocese of Toledo are required to attend the Engaged Couples Workshop led by married couples. These workshops are usually hosted during the winter months. To sign up for the local workshop in Kalida, Ohio, please contact the St. Michael’s Parish Office by email at stmichaelskalida@gmail.com or by phone at 419-532-3474. For other locations and dates, please click the link below:
Natural Family Planning (NFP)
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve and avoid pregnancies.
These methods are based on observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy. NFP reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life, and recognizes the value of the child. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife. A couple learns a method of NFP together from a certified instructor, and are thus able to achieve or avoid pregnancy based on their discernment for their family.
A course in Natural Family Planning (NFP) is highly recommended for engaged and newly married couples.