Godparents

Who can be a godparent?

Godparents are tasked with helping the newly baptized on the road of the Christian life. They bear responsibility for developing and safeguarding the grace given in Baptism. (CCC 1255)
 
Parents, when considering who to be the godparent of your child, ask yourself: Who will help my child on the path to holiness to become a saint?
 
A godparent fulfills a very special spiritual role in your child's life. For this reason, the Church holds the following requirements for godparents (according to the Code of Canon Law 872-874):

• Fully initiated Catholic -- has received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation
• 16 years of age or older
• Leads a life of faith according to the teachings of the Catholic Church

Godparent Declaration of Eligibility (English, Spanish)
The declaration is to be filled out in the presence of a priest, religious, or lay parish staff member of a parish. A witness signature is required. 

• Marital status in the Catholic Church
  • A single Catholic is called to live a life of chastity. The Catholic Church disapproves of cohabitation which goes against the Church's teaching on the Sanctity of Marriage. Single Catholics who are cohabitating cannot be godparents.
  • A baptized Catholic is obligated to be married in the church. Civil marriage is not recognized in the eyes of the Church. If you have a civil marriage, you can have your marriage convalidated in the church. Until your marriage is convalidated, Catholics who are only civilly married cannot be godparents.
• Participation in the Sacraments
  • Catholics are obligated to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation
  • Catholics are obligated to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a year
  • Catholics are obligated to receive the Eucharist at least during the Easter season
• What it means to be a practicing Catholic
  • The Precepts of the Catholic Church (CCC 2041-2043) present the minimum requirements to be a practicing Catholic. These practices are the basic spiritual needs for the faithful to live a life of faith.

1. You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor.
2. You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
3. You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.
4. You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.
5. You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.

How do I prepare to be a godparent?

Preparing at St Matthew

Godparents participate in the 2-hour preparation for baptism along with parents. Godparents need to sign the Godparent Declaration of Eligibility in the presence of a parish staff member or clergy. Please submit with registration. 

Preparing at another parish

Godparents may be prepared for the sacrament at their home parish, in which case please send us verification of that preparation. Godparents need to sign the Godparent Declaration of Eligibility in the presence of a parish staff member or clergy. Please submit with registration. 

Preparing at St Matthew for a Baptism at another parish

If you will be a godparent at another parish and need preparation for the sacrament through our parish, please fill out a Godparent Registration Form. Submit to Maria Wanner to sign up for preparation. 

Godparent Registration Form (English, Spanish)