Information regarding Sponsors/Godparents

Regarding Godparents:

Godparents/sponsors are only required for those who are to receive the sacraments of Baptism and/or Confirmation. Baptism allows for up to two godparents as long as one is male and the other is female. If only one godparent can be found for baptism this is acceptable. The need for baptism godparents would be for any child or youth in the “OCIC” program. When any youth as a candidate is going to receive the sacrament of confirmation they are entitled to one sponsor or godparent.

•  Single godparents must have their confirmation certificate and be at least 18 years of age

•  Married godparents must have a certificate of matrimony in the holy Catholic Church

• Selected Godparents/sponsors must be ina condition to receive Holy Communion

Per canon law the following is true:

·         Parents cannot be godparents

·         Baptism may have up to 2 godparents 1 male, 1 female

·         Confirmation candidates receive only one (1)sponsor

·         No godparents are required or needed for first Holy Communion[1]

Selecting Godparents:

It is recommended that if your child is in a year 2 program that you seek a godparent and submit the details at the beginning of the year. Do NOT wait until the sacrament date is only a few months away. We need the details on all godparents at the time of enrollment.

Do not expect the church to find the godparents. It is not the job of the church to solicit godparents. If you are having trouble getting a godparent (generally you only need one), then notify the ministry immediately. Do NOT wait until the sacrament date is only a few months away.

If your youth has been Baptized already and they are looking for a sponsor for Confirmation, they may select one of their baptismal godparents. A single godparent may be used for both Baptism and confirmation.

[1] The selection and use of a godparent for First Holy Communion is not part of the liturgy for the celebration of the Rite for First Holy Communion. The encounter of Christ in the Rite of First Holy Communion is personal and belongs first to the person receiving it then to the community who joins them. No person should be singled out or given a place recognized as an honor within this sacrament. To do such an act is a disregard for the purpose of the sacrament and shows a great misunderstanding of the sacrament. To do so also tries to introduce a sign which is not defined as part of the sacrament.