CHURCH LAW REGARDING SPONSORS

Church law requires that a candidate for baptism into the Church’s community must have at least one sponsor.  This sponsor must be baptized, have received the Eucharist, and also a confirmed member of the Catholic Church.  Sponsors must be at least 16 years of age and be willing and able to help the child grow in the Catholic faith.  If two Sponsors are selected, one must be male and one must be female.  The maximum number of sponsors is two.  A baptized non-Catholic may not be a sponsor but may act as a Christian Witness.  Non-baptized persons may not act as a Sponsor or a witness to a baptism of a child in the Catholic faith.

Catholic sponsors are required to obtain a certificate of Eligibility (sacramental sponsorship) from the parish where they are registered and attend Mass.

Christian witnesses are required to obtain a copy of their Baptismal Certificate.

PLEASE NOTE: IF SOMEONE IS BAPTIZED CATHOLIC AND IS NOT CONFIRMED THEY CAN NOT BE A CHRISTIAN WITNESS.