Dear Padre Artical - 17th May 2009

Dear Mary,

A godparent must be a baptized Catholic who is at least sixteen (unless otherwise specified by the diocese), has received the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation, and is in — standing with the Catholic Church. Only one godparent is required. Canon law allows a baptized (Christian) non-Catholic to be present as a witness as long as one godparent meets the requirements (874). Most parents choose their children’s godparents because of a personal relationship. But “godparent” is not merely an honorary title we bestow because someone is a friend or because it’s a certain relative’s “turn”. My godparents were coworkers of my father’s, and I didn’t see them again until my ordination. A godparent is supposed to be involved in the faith formation of the baptized, not only as a Christian, but also as a Catholic. Your sister may be a better Christian than any Catholic you know, but she would not be able to offer guidance that is specifically Catholic.

I know you love your sister, but I recommend you choose godparents because of the way they live their Catholic faith and their willingness to share that faith with your child as she or he grows to Christian maturity. Choose godparents who can not only be good Christian examples, but good Catholic examples as well.