To be chosen as a godparent is a special honor. Godparents have been entrusted with the responsibility to participate in this child's Christian life and education.  By living a Christian life in partnership with your godchild, both of you will experience the great joy of sharing a life of faith.

Canon 872 says:  "in the case of an infant Baptism, the sponsor's role is together with the parents to present the child for Baptism, and to help it to live a Christian life befitting the baptized and faithfully to fulfill the duties inherent in Baptism."
 
Canon 873 says:  "One sponsor, male or female, is sufficient, but there may be two, one of each sex."  There is a maximum of 2 sponsors. The minimum age for a baptized and confirmed Catholic to be a sponsor is 14 years old. 

A Baptized Christian non-Catholic may not sponsor but may act as a witness.  A non-baptized person may not officially act as a sponsor or a witness to a Baptism of a child in the Catholic Faith.  

From all the above we can see that choosing a godparent involves a serious, prayerful decision.  Please be sure that your child's godparents fulfill the requirements specified here.  After you have carefully made the selection, ask the godparents to get a testimonial letter (Sponsor Eligibility Letter) from the priest in their own parish.  If the godparents are parishioners here at St. Mary's-Stony Hill, they may print, complete and submit the Attestation of Eligibility to be a Catholic Sponsor for Baptism or Confirmation (link at the top of this page).

BAPTISM OF FIRST CHILD:
If this is your first child you must attend a meeting with the priest. Please contact the parish office to schedule an appointment.