Catechesis for Baptism

A.  Parents and godparent(s) are to be properly instructed in the meaning of the sacrament and the obligations which are attached to it (cf. c.851). It is the responsibility of the pastor to see to it that catechesis is provided personally or through others. The catechesis is intended to assist parents and godparent(s) in meeting their responsibilities and should be attended to with pastoral sensitivity considering the variety of needs.

Godparent(s)
A.  In order to be a godparent the following qualifications specified in the law (cf. c.874) are to be observed:

1. be chosen for the role by the parents and have the ability and intention of carrying out the responsibility;
2. be 16 years old, although the priest or deacon may make an exception for a just cause;
3. be a fully initiated Catholic, that is, one who has been baptized, confirmed and received the Eucharist, and be living in harmony with the faith and the role of a godparent;
4. be someone other than a parent of the one being baptized;
5. be one who has not been publicly reprimanded by the Church by means of a penalty. This is a very rare occurrence.
6. “Only one male or one female godparent or one of each sex is to be employed” (c.873).

B.  A member of a separated faith community may not act as a godparent at a Catholic baptism. However, a baptized member of such a community may serve as a “Christian Witness” to baptism together with a Catholic godparent (cf. c.874 and ED, 57), All parties should understand that the role is not that of a godparent.

C.  A member of the Orthodox Church may be invited to act as a godparent together with a Catholic godparent for a Catholic. A Catholic may similarly act as a godparent for an Orthodox, it he or she is so invited (cf. ED, 48)

D.  A Catholic may not act as a godparent for a member of a separated community; but a Catholic may act as a “Christian witness”, if he or she is so invited (cf. Ed, 57).

E.  One who administers baptism in cases of necessity is to see to it that unless a godparent is present, there be at least one witness by whom the conferral of baptism can be proved (cf. c.875)

F.  With regard to the choice of godparents, it should be kept in mind that when possible, the baptismal godparents are later to be preferred when choosing a confirmation sponsor (cf. c.893)

Complete text of Diocesan Guidelines for Infant Baptism