SPONSORS FOR BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION:
There seems to be some confusion in our parish about the role and requirements of those who are asked to be sponsors at Confirmation or Godparents at Baptism.  The following information is given to clear up any confusion or misunderstanding that you might have.  If you have any questions/concerns, please contact the Parish Office.

The choice of a Godparent for your child or a candidate’s choice of a sponsor for Confirmation is a serious decision that requires prayer, reflection and thought. 
The person chosen has a religious responsibility to the person and is expected to be
a practicing Catholic and Catholic role model for the person.  (Consult canons 873 & 874)

This is a life long responsibility.  A Godparent/Sponsor should not be chosen without sufficient reflection and thought and after reviewing the requirements for godparents/sponsors listed below.

1. The godparent/sponsor should normally be 16 years of age. (The Pastor can dispense of this age requirement for a serious reason)  
2. The godparent/sponsor must have received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion).
3. The sponsor/godparent is expected to be a practical or practicing Catholic.  This involves weekly (regular) attendance at Mass and the Sacraments.
4. The sponsor/godparent is expected to be formally registered in a parish and participating in the life of that parish according to his/her ability.  A letter of eligibility (sometimes called a sponsor card) is required from your Pastor stating that you fulfill these requirements and are able to be a sponsor/godparent).
5. If the sponsor/godparent is married, his/her marriage must be recognized as valid by the Catholic Church. Catholics in a civil marriage may not be sponsors or godparents.
6. The sponsor/godparent should not deliberately practice any behavior that is contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church. In other words, a Godparent must "lead a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken."
7. The sponsor/godparent is expected to be a good Catholic role model. A non-Catholic is never allowed to be a Confirmation Sponsor.  However, a baptized practicing non-Catholic may serve as a Christian Witness, for a serious reason, along with a Catholic Godparent for a Baptism.  Actually, one godparent is needed for a Baptism but customarily there are two, a Godmother and a Godfather. The baptismal certificate will denote (C.W.) or Christian Witness.  This 'Christian witness' takes part in the ceremony but is not a godparent. A former Catholic, a non-baptized person, or someone who does not live a virtuous Christian life can never be a Christian witness.
8. A non-Christian (unbaptized person) cannot serve as a “Christian Witness” but is welcome to be present at the ceremony.
9. When choosing a Godparent or sponsor, what you are looking for are godparents who can truly represent the Catholic Christian community. Basically this means you want at least one active and committed Catholic. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states "...the godfather and godmother... must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized—child or adult—on the road of Christian life" (#1255). This is the Church's way of saying being a godparent is truly a ministry, and not simply an honor.
10. Parents may NEVER serve as Baptismal Godparent /Confirmation Sponsor for their Child.