What is the role of the Godparents?

The role of the Godparents is to be a good model of faith and values for your child and a support for you as you try to raise your child in faith.

During the Baptism ritual, the Godparents are signs of God’s love to the child. They demonstrate that God’s love extends beyond the child’s parents. In that way, they also represent the larger faith community who promises to help the newly baptized child to grow spiritually.

The Godparents’ commitment extends even further as they make a personal commitment to safeguard the child’s faith.

Who is eligible to be a Godparent? 

• Only one sponsor is required in Baptism, no more than two are permitted.
• Two sponsors of the same gender are not allowed. One must be male and the other female.
• One must be a practicing Catholic, having received the Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation.
• Sponsors must be 16 years old.
• Sponsors cannot be the child’s parents.
• If the Godparents cannot be present at the Baptism, a proxy may be appointed to represent them.

Some other things to consider: 

• Look for someone who truly lives the faith—they should be an example to the child that the faith is important to someone else beyond their parents.
• Find someone who will support you in your effort to nurture your child’s faith.
• Choose someone who will build a special relationship with your child.

Questions? Contact Ann Grunwaldt at grunwaldta@stanthony.cc.