Question 1

What is a Sponsor (Godparent)?

Accepted Answer

A Sponsor (Godparent), together with the parents, presents an infant for Baptism. A Sponsor (Godparent) also helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with Baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it.

A Sponsor (Godparent) plays a vital role in your child's spiritual development, serving as a lifelong mentor in faith.

They provide guidance, support, and a living example of Catholic values, helping your child grow in their relationship with God.

The Sponsor's (Godparent's) commitment to nurturing your child's faith underscores the importance of selecting someone who actively practices and embodies the principles of Catholicism.

Question 2

Faith & Practice

Accepted Answer

Confirmed Catholic: 
The Sponsor (Godparent) must be a fully initiated Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

Active Faith Life: 
The Sponsor (Godparent) should be actively practicing their faith, regularly attending Mass, and participating in the Sacraments.

Question 3

Spiritual Role

Accepted Answer

Guide and Mentor: 
The Sponsor (Godparent) should be capable and willing to guide your child in their spiritual journey, offering support, prayer, and advice.

Religious Education: 
The Sponsor (Godparent) should be committed to helping educate your child in the Catholic faith, supported by the Catholic school and Parish.

Question 4

Personal Qualities

Accepted Answer

Good Role Model: 
The Godparent should exemplify the Christian values and virtues you wish to instil in your child.

Trustworthy and Reliable: 
The Godparent should be someone you trust deeply and can rely on to fulfill their duties.

Question 5

Considerations for a Good Fit

Accepted Answer

Close Relationship: 
The Godparent should have a close, ongoing relationship with your family.

Communication and Availability: 
The Godparent is someone who can maintain regular communication and be present in your child's life.

Question 6

Other Requirements

Accepted Answer

Age: 
The Godparent must be at least 16 years old.

Not the Parent: 
A parent of the child cannot serve as a Godparent.

One Godparent: 
While it is customary to have one Godparent of each sex, only one Godparent is required. If you choose two, one must be male and the other female. Other influential figures in your child’s life who are attending the Baptism ceremony may be recorded in the registry as “witnesses” if desired.

Question 7

What if I cannot find a Sponsor (Godparent)?

Accepted Answer

In the absence of a Sponsor (Godparent) designated by the parents, the Parish Priest will assign someone able to fulfil this role.

Your child's Sponsor (Godparent) is not simply a relative or friend, but a fellow member of the Body of Christ. Like your child, in Baptism, their Sponsor (Godparent) has become a new creature in Christ, a son or daughter of God, and therefore is specially equipped to undertake the Christian journey with your child.

Baptism

A Parents' Guide to Choosing a Sponsor (Godparent) for your Child