God-parents
from the Code of Canon Law

Choosing a sponsor/godparent

This is a twofold purpose:-

1.    To assist the parents in discharging their duties as Christian parents.
2.    To be a model of Christian living to the child in question.

Hence some people may not be suitable as godparents.



Code of Canon Law:


873 One sponsor is sufficient, but there may be two.


874 A sponsor must be:

•    not less than 16 years of age (exceptions can be made by Bishop, parish priest.)

•    be a catholic who has been confirmed and has received the blessed Eucharist, and who lives a life of faith.

•    a baptised person who belongs to a non-catholic ecclesial community may be admitted but only in company    with a catholic sponsor and simply as a witness to the baptism.