Eligibility Letter

Together with the person’s family and the wider Church, a sponsor accompanies the person receiving Baptism or Confirmation and supports their ongoing life and formation in the Catholic faith. Through personal example and faithful Christian living, the sponsor encourages them to live out the grace of the sacrament and represents the support of the Christian community.

Because of the importance of this role, the Church has established specific requirements for sponsors (Code of Canon Law, canons 872–874 and 892–893). One sponsor is ordinarily chosen for Baptism or Confirmation. At the Baptism of an infant or child, families may choose two sponsors; in that case, one is male, and one is female.

A godparent or sponsor must: 

• Be chosen by the parents (or by the person being baptized/confirmed, if an adult).
• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Be a fully initiated Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
• Be living a life of faith consistent with this responsibility, including regular participation in the sacramental life of the Church.
• If married, be married according to the laws of the Catholic Church.
• Not be the father or mother of the person being baptized.

Sponsors are asked to obtain a Letter of Eligibility from their parish. A sample letter is available for download at the bottom of this page.

For St. Paul Parishioners: 
Members of St. Paul Parish who have been asked to serve as a godparent or sponsor for a Baptism or Confirmation at another parish should download the Sponsor Eligibility Letter, sign it, and return it to the parish office for the pastor's signature. Please note that parishioners must be registered with St. Paul Parish for at least three months before requesting a Letter of Eligibility.

Eligibility Letter