Who Can Be A Godparent?

We get this question all the time.  We get it, it’s kind of confusing.  Below are the rules according to the Code of Cannon Law. Please consider these rules before asking someone to serve as a godparent.

How many godparents do we need?

There must be at least one Catholic godparent, but the maximum is two.  One of those two may serve as Christian Witness.  Further, if there are two, one must be male and one must be female.

What is a Christian Witness?

A Christian Witness is a baptized Christian, non-Catholic.  They may serve as a Christian Witness, but not a Godparent.

A person who has not been baptized may not officially act as a godparent or  witness to the Baptism of a child in the Catholic Faith.

What are the requirements of a Catholic Godparent?

The Godparent must have received all three Sacraments of Initiation; Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.  The potential Godparent must also be a regular participant in the life of their church.

If a Godparent is married, he or she should be married in the Catholic Church or the marriage should be recognized by the Catholic Church.

Can one of my other children be the godparent?

Perhaps! Just remember that the minimum age of a Godparent is 16 years.

How do we show that they are a qualified to be a Godparent?

The eligible Godparent must supply Nativity Catholic Church with a “Certificate of Eligibility” from his or her own parish.

Visit our Baptism Page for more information.

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