Godparents serve two important purposes in the Sacrament of Baptism.

First, they act as representatives of the Church in welcoming the newly baptized members.

Second and more importantly, they act as models of Christian living for the newly baptized. They assist the parents in passing on the faith, and they assist the baptized in living out the faith. Choosing godparents is an important decision, and one that should be taken seriously. If you need help selecting a godparent, feel free to talk to our compassionate staff.

There are several requirements that should be considered when choosing godparents:

• Only one sponsor is required (male or female). Two godparents may be selected, in which case there must be one of each gender.
  
• In view of the ecclesial and educational role of godparents, ideally both should be Catholic with an active interest in the faith of your child.
  
• However, a baptized Christian of a non-Catholic community may be admitted as a "Christian witness" as long as the other godparent is a Catholic.

Godparents should:

• have completed their sixteenth year
  
• have themselves received the Sacraments of Initiation (baptism, confirmation, eucharist).
  
• be practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church, living a life in harmony with the faith and role to be undertaken.

Those chosen as godparents should be present at the celebration of baptism.

The mother or father of the one to be baptized may not act as godparent. Relatives may act as godparents.