Godparents

Godparents are members of the Christian community whose faithful lives will set a good example for the child they are sponsoring into initiation into the Catholic faith. Godparents should support the parents as they raise their child in the Catholic community and should stay in faithful communication with the child as he or she is growing up.

The qualifications to be a Godparent (sponsor) for Baptism are determined by Church law (Canons 872-874). 

• A Godparent must be at least 16 years of age, a practicing Catholic, and have celebrated the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Usually a child has a Godfather and a Godmother, but only one is necessary. If you choose two Godparents, one must be male and the other female.
• A baptized, non-Catholic Christian, may be a witness to the Baptism, but only together with a Catholic Godparent. A non-Christian may not be a witness for the Sacrament of Baptism.
• A Catholic who was baptized, but not Confirmed, cannot serve as a Godparent in Baptism.
• Parents may not serve as their child’s Baptism sponsors.
• If a Godparent cannot be present for your child’s Baptism, you may choose a proxy to stand in for the Godparent. The proxy must meet the same requirements as the Godparent.