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Although it is a great honor to be a godparent, it is more than an honor. A godparent is a trusted adult who will be a real and long-lasting help in the Christian formation of the child.
- According to Canon 873, the requirements state that only one male or one female sponsor or one sponsor of each sex is to be a godparent.
- A Godparent is required to be at least 16 years old and received the sacrament of Confirmation and a practicing Catholic who leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken.
- A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic Christian community cannot be a godparent but may be a “Christian Witness” as long as the other godparent is a Catholic who fulfills the above requirements. While there are many wonderful people of good character who might make wonderful godparents, one must be a baptized Christian to fulfill this role.
- The godparent cannot be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.
During infant Baptism, godparents are asked if they will help the parents in their duty as Christian parents. They are invited to renew their baptismal vows and assist in lighting the child's candle. Godparents are invited to the Baptism Preparation session. Throughout life, godparents will pray for their Godchild and continue to share their faith with them.