Godparent Requirements
The following is a review of the Church Law regarding the requirements for Godparents.
Prayerfully select 1 or 2 Catholic Godparents. At least two weeks before the date of the baptism, Godparents must submit a letter of eligibility from his or her parish indicating that he or she meets the below requirements.
Eligibility
The parents of the child being baptized cannot be the child’s Godparents. Grandparents or other family members may serve in this role. The minimum age of a Godparent is 16 years.
Number of Godparents
There must be at least one Catholic Godparent. If there are two, one must be male and one must be female. The maximum number of Godparents is two. The Godparent does not have to be present at the baptism, a proxy may stand in his or her place.
Christian Witness
A baptized Christian, non-Catholic may be a Christian Witness, but there must also be a Catholic Godparent. A person who has not been baptized may not officially act as a Godparent or Christian witness.
Living Catholic
A Catholic who is not practicing his or her faith cannot participate as a Christian witness or Godparent. A Godparent must have received Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation and be a regular participant in the life of the church. If a Godparent is married, he or she must be married in the Catholic Church or the marriage recognized by the Catholic Church.
Certificate of Eligibility
The eligible Catholic Godparent(s) must supply Nativity Catholic Church with a “Certificate of Eligibility” from his or her own parish.