The Role of a Sponsor:

The role of the godparent/sponsor is an important one for the Sacrament of Baptism or Confirmation. Today some may see the role as honorary, but the church sees the godparent/sponsor as a fully initiated Catholic who actively supports the newly Baptized or Confirmed by good example and instruction in the Christian life.  In order to be admitted to the role of godparent/sponsor, the law of the Church directs that a person must be designated specifically by the parents of the infant, or the individual themselves who are to be baptized or confirmed.  To be a godparent/sponsor a person must be a Catholic, at least sixteen (16) years of age, and have already received the Sacraments of the Most Holy Eucharist, Penance, and Confirmation.  If the proposed person is married, they are to be married within the Catholic Church by a Priest of Deacon or have received permission by the Catholic Church to marry outside of the Church. Finally, the person must lead a life in harmony with the faith, lead a moral life, and not be bound by any cononical penalty.

To Request a sponsor Certificate at Holy Family a person needs to:

• Be a registered, practicing member of Holy Family for at least three months
• If over 20 years of age must have your own parish registration; not under your parents registration
• Be at least 16 years old
• Be a Catholic who has been baptized, confirmed and has already received the sacrament of the Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith and role to be undertaken.
• If married, married in the Catholic Church.
• The godparents cannot be the father or mother of the one being baptized.