Qualifications to Serve as Sponsor/Godparent at Baptism

Overview:

The role of the sponsor or Godparent is, “together with the parents, to present an infant at baptism, and... Help the baptized to lead a Christian life in harmony with baptism, and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it" (Canon 872).

Only one male or one female sponsor or one of each sex is to be employed (Canon873). "Additional Catholic persons may act as witnesses at the Baptism."

Thus, the Church has established the following norms governing the qualifications needed to be a sponsor or Godparent.

The Sponsor/Godparent must:

"Be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the one who takes their place or, in their absence, by the pastor or minister and is to have the qualifications and intentions of performing this role."

Must have completed the 16th year...

Be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist, and leads a life of harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken.

"Not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared."

"Not be the father or the mother of the one to be baptized" (Canon 874).

A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may not be admitted except as a witness to a baptism and together with a Catholic sponsor (874.2).

Go to Step 2: Baptism Application Form

Return to Baptism Application Process page