Godparents play a crucial role not only in a child's baptism but in the child's life as a Catholic Christian. The godparent presents the child for baptism along with the parents. Throughout the child’s life, they will pray for the child, assist parents in fostering a relationship with Christ, and witness to the Christian faith through their lives. That's why choosing a Godparent is an important decision!

Once the child is baptized, there can be no change in the godparents on record. Choose wisely!

Please use the following guidelines in choosing each godparent:

• You may choose up to two godparents.
• If you choose to have only one godparent, they may be male or female.
• Godparents can be relatives but not parents or legal guardians.
• Godparents must be at least 16 years old.
• Two godparents do not need to be married to one another.
• Two godparents may consist of one male or one female, two males or two females together are not allowed to be godparents.
• At least one of the Godparents must be a Catholic who:
  • has received all of the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation).
  • is attempting to live out their faith through prayer, going to Mass and Confession, being part of their faith community, and loving one another, including those in need.
  • is either married within the Church or unmarried, divorced or widowed and not living with a partner
• For the second godparent, you may choose a non-Catholic Christian. Designated as a "Christian witness,” they will participate in the baptism with the other godparent. A Christian witness is permitted as long as you have one Catholic godparent.
• The Christian witness must be: 
  • baptized
  • attempting to live out their faith through prayer, going to Church and being part of their faith community, and loving one another, including those in need.
• If a godparent cannot be present at the baptism, they may be represented by proxy. The proxy can be Catholic or a Christian of another denomination. The godparent may designate the proxy on the Godparent Form.
• The selection of godparents may not be changed after the baptism.