What are the Requirements to be Godparents for Baptism?
While it is preferred to have an adult man and woman to serve as godparents for Baptism, one must be a fully Initiated and actively practicing Catholic.
The other can be a Protestant “Christian Witness.”
Non-Christians and Baptized Catholics can never be a Christian Witness.
Parents should prayerfully consider:
Does the person truly exemplify the Faith by living according to the teachings of the Catholic Church? Does the person live a life in harmony with the Church (for example, in a valid marriage, not co-habitating, raising their children accordingly)? Does the person actively practice the Faith, especially by attending Mass and Reconciliation regularly?
The Role of Godparents:
To accept the responsibility and availability to help the parents in raising the child according to the Catholic Faith. To be a living role model of the Catholic Faith to the child. In accepting this responsibility, you are telling your child to do exactly what you do in the daily living of the Faith. If the prospective godparent is not currently abiding by Catholic standards, then he or she is not suitable for the position.
Required Documentation:
The godparents’ pastor has the final authority to declare whether or not a selected person is suitable for the position, which is verified by way of the required Baptismal Certificate signed and sealed by the pastor.
While it is preferred to have an adult man and woman to serve as godparents for Baptism, one must be a fully Initiated and actively practicing Catholic.
The other can be a Protestant “Christian Witness.”
Non-Christians and Baptized Catholics can never be a Christian Witness.
Parents should prayerfully consider:
Does the person truly exemplify the Faith by living according to the teachings of the Catholic Church? Does the person live a life in harmony with the Church (for example, in a valid marriage, not co-habitating, raising their children accordingly)? Does the person actively practice the Faith, especially by attending Mass and Reconciliation regularly?
The Role of Godparents:
To accept the responsibility and availability to help the parents in raising the child according to the Catholic Faith. To be a living role model of the Catholic Faith to the child. In accepting this responsibility, you are telling your child to do exactly what you do in the daily living of the Faith. If the prospective godparent is not currently abiding by Catholic standards, then he or she is not suitable for the position.
Required Documentation:
The godparents’ pastor has the final authority to declare whether or not a selected person is suitable for the position, which is verified by way of the required Baptismal Certificate signed and sealed by the pastor.