Holy Spirit Religious Education at 2222 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 US - Godparent Guidelines for Baptism
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Godparent Guidelines for Baptism |
The guidelines of the Church are very clear on sponsors for baptism. At least one Catholic sponsor is required at a Catholic baptism. According to the Rite of Baptism, the requirements for a single sponsor are mainly that the sponsor: Be mature enough to take the responsibility to testify to the faith of an adult convert, or to profess with the parents the Church’s faith when a child is being baptized Be able to help the parents as necessary to bring up the child as a good Christian Have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist Be a member of the Catholic Church who is living a life in harmony with the faith and with the role of sponsor Be at least 16 years of age, unless an exception is made for a special reason Not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized, (CCL 874) If there is only one sponsor, that sponsor may be a man or a woman, regardless of the sex of the child. If there are two, there should be one of each sex. (CCL 873) This is the Catholic policy around the world. Parents do hold the primary responsibility for the religious upbringing of their children. The sponsors do have responsibilities since during the ceremony the priest asks them if they are willing to help the parents in their duties as mother and father. This help may be moral support, a small gift on the anniversary of birth or baptism, or encouragement to live a spirit filled life. This does not begin if a parent dies, but fulfilling duties begins when a sponsor says “Yes”.