The Godparent or Sponsor assists the person, who is to receive Baptism to lead a Christian Life; The Role of the Sponsor
There may be only one male and one female sponsor;
A sponsor must be designated by the parents of an infant, or by the Pastor or other cleric who administers the Sacrament

Have you ever wondered why some people have very involved godparents and sponsors, while others don't even know theirs? Perhaps part of the problem is that many godparents and sponsors were chosen for the wrong reasons, or because those same people don't really know what they're supposed to do!
Do you? This Update will help us to better understand these roles.

Most of us at some point have to choose either a godparent for our children or a sponsor for ourselves, but how do we choose these people? Or you yourself may someday be asked to be a godparent or sponsor. What is expected of a sponsor or godparent today?

Qualifications for Godparents

1.        Must be registered in a Catholic Parish, attend Mass weekly and receive the Sacraments.

2.        Must have received the three (3) Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

3.        Those Catholics who have joined another religion may not act as Godparents.

4.        Must have completed their sixteenth (16) year and cannot be the father or mother of the one receiving the Sacrament.

5.        If married, the marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church and valid according to the Code of Cannon Law.

6.        For Baptism, two sponsors are suggested: one of each sex; however, only one sponsor is required.

Qualification for Christian Witness

1.        A Christian of another tradition may substitute as a Christian Witness for a Catholic Godparent if he/she is a member of a Christian Church and worships regularly.

2.        Non-practicing Catholics may not act as a sponsor.

3.        Members of those churches who do not believe in the Trinity and/or the Divinity of Christ may not act as a Christian Witness.

Letters of Sacramental Sponsorship for Baptism

These letters are testimonies to the fact that you are formally registered in the parish and are an active practicing Catholic in your parish. The regular use of your contribution envelopes reflects your attendance.

Sponsorship letters can be obtained from your home parish and should be submitted to the parish office at least one week prior to the baptism.

Baptismal Preparation Class

Baptismal Preparation Classes are the first step in preparing for your child's Sacrament of Baptism. Both parents are required to attend a Baptismal preparation class prior to scheduling your child's Baptism. Classes are held on the fourth Sunday of the month at 12:30 p.m. in the Religious Education building. Space is limited in these classes therefore we ask that you register for your class early in your pregnancy .

This requirement will be waived if you have attended a class within the two years previous.

Proxy for Baptismal Sponsor

A proxy is used when the one or both of the Baptismal Sponsors is unable to attend the Baptism. The proxy must also be an active practicing Catholic. The use of a proxy does not preclude the the Baptismal Sponsors meeting all eligibility qualifications.

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