Godparent Requirements
The Godparent serves three important functions:
- The child being baptized is welcomed into the Church community. The godparent represents the Church community, the family of God.
- The Godparent is to be a model of the committed Catholic Christian. Thus, the role of godparent is not a one day, ceremonial role during the rite of Baptism. Throughout the child’s life, the Godparent should offer an enriching spiritual relationship – guiding, advising, and nurturing the child in his/her faith development.
- The Godparent acts as a loving support to the parents/guardians who are the primary religious educators of their child.
Who may be a Godparent?
There may be one or two Godparents.
One Godparent must be a baptized Roman Catholic who…
If your circumstances are such that you only have one Catholic Godparent available, a Christian witness may be named. A Christian witness must…
Godparent(s) who are not registered at Holy Name of Mary Church will need to provide a completed Sponsor Form from the parish where they are a registered parishioner.
The Sponsor Form must be received by Holy Name of Mary Church prior to scheduling a date for baptism.
One Godparent must be a baptized Roman Catholic who…
- Has received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation (fully initiated Catholic)
- Has completed their sixteenth (16th) year
- Is registered in a Catholic parish
- Is actively practicing their Catholic faith – weekly Mass attendance and reception of the sacraments
- Is living an upright life
- Has not formally left the Catholic Church and joined another faith community
- Is not the child’s parent/guardian.
If your circumstances are such that you only have one Catholic Godparent available, a Christian witness may be named. A Christian witness must…
- be a baptized Christian
- be active in their church community
- not the child’s parent/guardian
Godparent(s) who are not registered at Holy Name of Mary Church will need to provide a completed Sponsor Form from the parish where they are a registered parishioner.
The Sponsor Form must be received by Holy Name of Mary Church prior to scheduling a date for baptism.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many godparents should there be?
Church law requires that you have one godparent; however, it has been tradition to have two.
Can the same godparents have responsibility for more than one child in the same family?
Yes, as long as they take seriously their responsibility and intention to help the children grow in faith.
What gender should the godparent be?
If you choose only one godparent, you are free to choose a male or a female. However, if you wish to have two godparents, there must be one male and one female.
Can a non-Catholic serve as a godparent?
A baptized, non-Catholic may serve as a “Christian witness” to the baptism, only if there is a proper Catholic sponsor who fully meets all requirements of a godparent. The non-Catholic who is selected as a witness should be an active and participating member of his/her church community. During the baptism, a non-Catholic witness may perform all the parts of the ceremony that a godparent does. His of her name will be entered into the Sacrament Record Book as a “Christian witness”, together with the name of the godparent.
What is the difference between a godparent and a Christian witness?
Witness is the term mentioned in the Code of Canon Law. Canon Law
describes a witness as “A baptized person who belongs to a non-catholic church community.” A godparent is a baptized Catholic who has been confirmed and is in good standing with the Church.
Can someone serve as godparent by proxy (stand-in) if the godparent is unable to participate in the baptism ceremony?
If a godparent cannot attend the baptism ceremony, a proxy can stand in the place of the missing godparent. The name of that person will be entered as “proxy” in the Sacramental Record Book. Along with the name of the missing godparent.
How many godparents should there be?
Church law requires that you have one godparent; however, it has been tradition to have two.
Can the same godparents have responsibility for more than one child in the same family?
Yes, as long as they take seriously their responsibility and intention to help the children grow in faith.
What gender should the godparent be?
If you choose only one godparent, you are free to choose a male or a female. However, if you wish to have two godparents, there must be one male and one female.
Can a non-Catholic serve as a godparent?
A baptized, non-Catholic may serve as a “Christian witness” to the baptism, only if there is a proper Catholic sponsor who fully meets all requirements of a godparent. The non-Catholic who is selected as a witness should be an active and participating member of his/her church community. During the baptism, a non-Catholic witness may perform all the parts of the ceremony that a godparent does. His of her name will be entered into the Sacrament Record Book as a “Christian witness”, together with the name of the godparent.
What is the difference between a godparent and a Christian witness?
Witness is the term mentioned in the Code of Canon Law. Canon Law
describes a witness as “A baptized person who belongs to a non-catholic church community.” A godparent is a baptized Catholic who has been confirmed and is in good standing with the Church.
Can someone serve as godparent by proxy (stand-in) if the godparent is unable to participate in the baptism ceremony?
If a godparent cannot attend the baptism ceremony, a proxy can stand in the place of the missing godparent. The name of that person will be entered as “proxy” in the Sacramental Record Book. Along with the name of the missing godparent.