Godparent Information

Godparent Info

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When a child is to be baptized, he or she must have at least one godparent. It is customary and preferred that children have two godparents. When there are two, one must be male and the other female. Godparents must meet all of the following criteria, which are established by universal Church law and which do not vary from place to place. Godparents must:

• be Catholic
• have been baptized, confirmed and receive Communion
• be 16 or older
• must be living a life consistent with their own baptismal vows.
• not be the mother or father of the child to be baptized

This means that godparents must practice the faith of the Church, and cannot have taken public positions in opposition to Catholic faith or morals. If a godparent is married, their marriage must be recognized by the Church. In general, if a potential godparent is not a member of the parish where the baptism is to take place, he or she must obtain a letter or certificate (commonly known as a “Letter of Good Standing”) from their own pastor which affirms that they meet the above requirements.

A baptized person who belongs to another Christian community may be admitted only as a “Christian Witness” (not a godparent) provided that there is at least one Roman Catholic godparent who fulfills the above criteria. In such a case, a “Letter of Good Standing is not required.” However, a copy of the record of their baptism is to be obtained and submitted to St. John’s Office of Catechesis.

A non-baptized person cannot be a witness (Code of Canon Law, cc. 872-874).

Please contact Mary Ellen Minnick for the Godparent Information Sheet, 812-265-4166 Ext239 or meminnick@popeace.org