The role of a Godparent (or "Sponsor") is to assist the Parents with raising a child in the Catholic Faith. Only one Godparent (Sponsor) is required, but if two Godparents are chosen, one of each gender is to be selected.
According to Canon Law (Canon 874), to be qualified to serve as a Godparent, a person must:
A) Not be the Parent of the child being baptized.
B) Be at least 16 years old.
C) Be a fully initiated Catholic who has received Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
D) If married, the marriage must be a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church as valid.*
E) Live a life of active faith in the Catholic Church befitting the role of Godparent.
*For questions or clarifications on this matter, please see the Frequently Asked Questions document or call the Parish Office.
Additionally, Godparents are required to do the following:
A) Complete a Baptism Preparation Class (register HERE)
B) Complete a Baptism Sponsor Covenant Form (click to complete)
What is a "proxy"?
If Godparent(s) cannot be present at the Baptism, a proxy or proxies can be designated to answer the parts of the Godparent(s) during the Baptismal Rite (ceremony) itself. Proxies should meet the same qualifications of Godparents listed above, but do not have to take a Baptism Preparation Class or complete the Baptism Sponsor Covenant form. Proxies will be listed in the baptismal record as a "Proxy."
Can a person who is Christian, but not Catholic, be a Godparent?
In the Rite of Baptism, a Godparent promised to help the Parents raise the child in the Catholic faith. Additionally, Canon Law requires Godparents to be fully initiated Catholics in good standing (see "Qualifications" above). As a result, a non-Catholic cannot serve as a Godparent (or a Proxy for a Godparent) in a Catholic Baptism. However, a non-Catholic Christian can serve as a "Christian Witness" to the Baptism.
Can a person who is not Christian be an official "Christian Witness"?
No. The Church requires that an official witness for a Baptism be Christian. Non-Christians are warmly welcomed to attend a Baptism; however, the Church makes no demands on their conscience to participate in the Baptismal Rite which may be contrary to their beliefs.
Can someone who is Catholic but did not marry in the Catholic Church be a Godparent?
Unless the marraige is otherwise recognized as valid by the Church, this person cannot serve as a Godparent. This person may very well be a good person in many ways, but the marital situation needs to be reconciled before they are able to fulfill the role of Godparent. To answer specific questions about a particular situation, please contact the Parish Office.
Can someone who is separated or divorced be a Godparent?
Possibly. Separation or divorce does not necessarily inhibit a person from being a Godparent, but it can in some circumstances. Please contact the Parish Office for clarification of your particular situation.
Can there be more than two Godparents?
No. Only one Godparent is required, but if two Godparents are chosen, one of each gender is to be selected. However, we would invite your entire family and community to be involved in raising your child in the Catholic faith. Different family and cultural traditions are important to raising your children in the Catholic faith and are encouraged by the Church.
I recently attended a Baptism Preparation Class either for one of my own children or for another Godchild. Do I need to attend a Baptism Preparation Class again?
Not necessarily. If you recently attended a Baptism Preparation Class, you do not need to attend one again. However, you may be asked to provide the Parish Office with verification or proof that you completed a Baptism Preparation Class (either at St. Luke or another Catholic parish). Please contact the Parish Office for questions on this matter.