The Catechism of the Catholic Church states "...the godfather and godmother... must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized—child or adult—on the road of Christian life" (#1255). The Church is saying that being a godparent is truly a ministry in the Church and not simply an honor.
The essential question to consider when choosing godparents is: Who can best help us raise this child in faith?
Please use the following criteria when choosing a godparent or sponsor:
Only one godparent is required, but you can name two – a Godmother and a Godfather; one male and one female. Canon Law
A Godparent must be 16 years of age or older, a confirmed, practicing member of the Catholic Church. If the Godparent is married, the marriage must have taken place in the Catholic Church unless the couple received a dispensation or has convalidated their marriage.
The Church allows for a Christian Witness, a baptized Christian (non-Catholic), to serve as a witness at the ceremony in addition to the named Catholic Godparent.
If you need a Godparent, we will be happy to help find a Godparent within our faith community for your child.
You can name a proxy Godparent if a Godparent cannot attend the baptism ceremony. The name of the proxy is noted in the baptismal record.
The role of the Godparent is to support the parents' mission in raising the child in the Catholic faith. You will want to look for prayerful disciples to best support you and your child.