The Catholic Church’s Code of Canon Law lists these requirements for a person to be a valid and lawful godparent in Baptism:
• Canon 874 - To be permitted to take on the function of godparent a person must:
        o Be designated by the parent and must be mature enough to undertake this responsibility.
        o Be at least 16 years of age.
        o Have received the three sacraments of initiation namely Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation and live a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on.          o Not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared by the Church.
        o Must not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized

Pastor’s Note: Married persons serving as godparents must have their marriage recognized by the Catholic Church and be in good standing with the Catholic Church. Catholics from other parishes who wish to serve at godparents must provide a letter of good standing from their pastor. 

• Christian Witness- A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic Christian community may serve as a Christian Witness to the Baptism together with a Catholic godparent. They will not be listed on the Baptismal Certificate or recorded in the Baptismal records.

Godparents and the Christian Witnesses are required to take a Baptism preparation class. Please contact ccd@stannerh.org for more information.