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Godparent Requirements
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A person may only have one or two godparents (also called sponsors); if two are chosen, one must be male and the other female.
In order for someone to be eligible as a godparent they must:
- be chosen by the parents
- have the ability and the intention to fulfill the role
- be at least 16 years of age, and be a confirmed Roman Catholic, who:
- has already received the Most Holy Eucharist,
- is leading a life in harmony with the Catholic Faith (including a valid Marriage within the Catholic Church)
- will be a good role model for the one being baptized
- and be neither the father nor the mother of the child
Nota Bene: A Roman Catholic not in good standing with the Church (i.e., not validly married within the Catholic Church or baptized but who now considers him or herself a member of another ecclesial community) may not serve as a "Christian witness".
See more information about Christian Witnesses here.
Learn more:- Code of Canon Law, cc. 867-868
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 1251