It is the very ancient custom of the Church that a person being baptized have a Godparent or Sponsor. The function of the Godparent is: a) together with the bishop, priest or deacon who baptizes, to represent the Church in receiving the person into the communion of the Church; and b) should the need arise, to assist the parents or to substitute for the parents in educating and forming the child in the Catholic faith. Only one Godparent is needed, two are usual. If two Godparents function, one must be male and the other, female.
In accord with Canon 874 of the Code of Canon Law, the Church can admit a person to the role of Godparent at Baptism only if a)he or she has completed the 16th year (that is, has had his or her 16th birthday); and b) he or she is a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith and role to be undertaken.
Given the functions and role a Godparent exercises (described in paragraph one) a non-Catholic Christian cannot be admitted as a Godparent at a Catholic Baptism; however he or she can be a witness. The baptismal certificate will denote (C.W.) - "Christian Witness". A non-Christian cannot serve in this latter capacity but is welcome to be present at the ceremony.
Note that the Catholic seeking to be admitted as a Godparent must "lead a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken." This phraseology means that the candidate for Godparent: a) sincerely believes and strives to put into practice the Word of God as taught by the Catholic Church; b) regularly takes part in the Mass on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation; and c) if married, is married acording to the law of the Church.
Consequently,
Thus brings the "Frequently Asked Questions":
Q: Can I have more than one set of Godparents for my baby? My family's
traditions have always been to have (multiple) sets of Godparents!
A: No, only one set will appear in the official record and on the
certificate.
Q: I need a sponsor certificate and meet the criteria above. What else do
I need to do?
A: In accordance with the list above, you must be registered here.
We request that you be a member for at least three months before requesting
a certificate. Please contact the office to put in your request.
Q: Does a Christian Witness (as described above) need any paperwork?
A: Yes, a Christian Witness needs to have a letter from the pastor
of their own church stating that they are practicing their faith.
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