Baptism — general info
Catholics Sponsors for Baptism or Confirmation
Church law directs that a Catholic sponsor:
- Must be registered in a Catholic parish;
- Is 16 years of age or older;
- Has received the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation;
- Joins weekly in the celebration of Mass and receives Holy Communion;
- If married, were married in the presence of a priest or deacon.
The Catholic sponsor must obtain a Sponsor Certificate from their parish and submit this to Sacred Heart Parish Office two weeks or more prior to the Baptism.
Parishioners asked to be a Sponsor
If you are a member of Sacred Heart Parish and have been asked to be a Sponsor for Baptism or Confirmation, please review the requirements stated above. If you are living according to the requirements, please call the parish office and arrange a time to stop by when Fr. Trask is available to provide you with your sponsor certificate.
Non-Catholic sponsors
The Church reserves the privilege of involvement by a non-Catholic party to act as a Christian Witness in place of one of the Godparents. This right is reserved for Christians only; individuals who are not Christian may not serve as either Christian Witness or God Parent. Additionally, a Christian who was once a Catholic but is no longer, is ineligible to serve as either God Parent or Christian Witness. A non-Catholic may act as a Christian Witness, only when accompanied by a practicing Catholic sponsor who fulfills each of the requirements stated above.
If a person has ever been baptized Catholic, even if they were not raised in the Catholic Church, may not serve as a Christian Witness. Rather, they are obligated fulfill the requirements stated above for Catholic Sponsors.
If a non-Catholic is chosen to act in this capacity, he or she must be a baptized Christian. In addition it is strongly recommended that he or she is:
- An active, registered member of their Christian church;
- One who attends worships services on a regular basis;
- One who demonstrates his or her Christian values in the way they live.
While a non-Catholic serving as a Christian Witness does not need a sponsor certificate, we do request a letter from his/her pastor indicating that the individual is actively practicing his/her faith.
If you have questions regarding Baptism or sponsors for Baptism or Confirmation, please call Fr Trask (440.987.9873).
