Designating Baptismal Sponsors, or 'Godparents'

The following norms are to be followed regarding baptismal sponsors.

A person to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who assists an adult in Christian initiation or, together with the parents, present an infant for baptism.  A sponsor also helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with the Catholic faith.
 
Code of Canon Law:

1. There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each.

2. A sponsor must:

• Be designated by the parents and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this role.

• Be over the age of 16.

• Be a confirmed Catholic who leads a life of faith in keeping with their role.

• Meet the qualifications of Church law for sponsorship.

• Not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.

Please note that only one sponsor is required, and that the maximum number of sponsors is two, in which case they must both be Catholic, and one male and one female. A baptized, non-Catholic may participate as a Christian witness – not a sponsor, and only if a Catholic who meets the requirements outlined above has been designated as the sponsor.