Questions asked of Godparents

Are you ready to help the parents of the child in their duty as Christian (Catholic) parents?

Qualifications and Role of a Catholic Godparent

Step 1:

• Only one godfather or one godmother or one of each (Canon 873)

Step 2:

• To help the baptized person to lead a Catholic Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it (Canon 872).
• A mature Catholic who will establish a lifelong faith relationship and be willing to walk with the child on their faith journey.
• A Catholic role model (coach) for the child.

Step 3:

• A Catholic who is at least 16 years old (Canon 874, §1, 2º) and has received the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads an active life of faith.
• Be a practicing Catholic who attends Mass and receives the Sacraments regularly.
• Knows, understands and participates in the Catholic Church community.

Step 4:

• If the godparent is married, the marriage must be valid and recognized as a marriage in the Catholic Church. (Canon 874, §1, 3°)

Step 5:

• The godparent cannot be the father or mother of the one to be baptized (Canon 874, §1, 5º).

Step 6:

• Only with a Catholic godparent can a baptized, non-Catholic person serve as a Christian Witness of the Baptism (Canon 874, §2).
• A Catholic who lacks the requirements to be a Godparent of a Catholic who is now practicing a non-Catholic faith cannot serve as a Christian witness.

Step 7:

• A godparent who is not a parishioner at St. Joseph's must have their home parish provide a letter confirming active participation.

Step 8:

• Once you have read and agree to the above qualifications, you may contact Deacon Frank Kozar to select your baptismal preparation date and time.
• Schedule Baptism