[2024 Updated] Catholic Requirements to be a Godparent

Godparents are crucial figures in the lives of those being baptized, whether they are infants, children, or adults. In addition to serving as spiritual role models and exemplars of Christian living, godparents also act as official representatives of the Church during the baptism ceremony. Therefore, the Catholic Church has established certain requirements that godparents must meet in order to fulfill this role.

​

There are multiple requirements to be a Godparent for a Catholic Baptism such as being Catholic, being 16 years old and in good standing with the Church. Here is the full breakdown:

​

​1. RELIGIOUS DENOMINATION: A godparent must be a Roman Catholic because the godparent is an official representative of the Catholic Church. Christians of other denominations whose baptism is recognized as valid in the Catholic Church may serve as a Christian Witness for the baptism of a Catholic. Christians whose baptism is not recognized as valid in the Catholic Church and Non-Christians may not serve as a godparent or Christian Witness.

 

2. MINIMUM AGE: A godparent must generally be 16 by the date of the baptism. For exceptions, see a Catholic priest or the minister who will officiate for the baptism.

 

3. SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION: A godparent is a baptized Catholic who has received Confirmation and Holy Eucharist in the Catholic Church.

 

4. FREEDOM TO RECEIVE THE SACRAMENTS: The godparent is a practicing Catholic who is free to receive Holy Communion when he or she comes to Mass.

 

5. IF MARITAL STATUS: A Catholic godparent who is married must be in a marriage that is recognized by the Catholic Church. Those in their first marriage must have been married either a) in a Catholic Church ceremony or b) in a church/synagogue ceremony with the permission of the Catholic Church. Catholics in second marriages must have had their first marriage annulled and their second marriage recognized or convalidated by the Catholic Church. Catholics presently in civil or common law marriages are not eligible to serve as a godparent.

 

6. IF UNMARRIED STATUS: If unmarried, a godparent must be living a life consistent with a single person as defined by the Catholic Church. Anyone cohabitating with another person, e.g., living in a romantic relationship or as a couple, is ineligible to serve.

​

For full writing read the Code of Canon Law regarding sponsors for the sacrament of Baptism 

​

So why all the rules? Godparents are to be a spiritual role model and guide for the one being baptized. The church places these guidance as the Godparent is not only is taking responsibility for the religious education and spiritual formation of the baptized person, but also is representing the Church, the community of faith.