Baptism and Christening 101

Whether you select very close friends or family members as godparents for your child is a very personal decision and not one of concern to the Church. The Church does, however, expect that a person chosen to be a godparent will support you spiritually (by prayer) and morally (by their example of word and deed) in your duty as Christian mothers and fathers as you raise your child in the Catholic Church. As such, the Church places the following eligibility requirements on persons desiring to be godparents:

1. they must be at least 16 years of age;
2. they must be Catholics who are baptized, confirmed, and have received First Holy Communion;
3. they must be someone other than the parents of the child to be baptized;
4. they must be leading a life in harmony with the Catholic faith and the role they are about to assume.

Differing opinions? If so, let us know…