The Role of a Godparent

Whenever a person is baptized, as an infant, as a child, or as an adult, there should be at least one person present who will act as sponsor for the one being baptized. The Sponsor, commonly referred to as one’s godmother or godfather, accepts the responsibility of helping the person grow in the Catholic faith. One who acts as a sponsor for an infant or child agrees to help the parents teach their child about the faith and how to live as a practicing Catholic. One who acts as sponsor for an adult agrees to encourage and support the person, pray with and for the person, and offer whatever help, information, or support is needed while the person is preparing to enter the Church and then in living out the rest of his or her life as a practicing Catholic. This is why it is very important you select someone who is actively practicing their Catholic Faith participate regularly in the sacramental life of the Church, especially in the Eucharist.

HOW TO CHOOSE A GODPARENT

Godparent Requirements

• Only one godparent is required for Baptism, however, a child can have two godparents. If the child is to have two godparents, one must be male and the other female. 
  
• Be at least 18 years of age and a practicing Catholic, who has been Confirmed, has already received the sacrament of the Eucharist, and leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken.
  
• Godparent cannot be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.
  
• If married, the person needs to be married in the Catholic Church and participating actively in their parish. Those who do not participate regularly in the sacramental life of the Church, especially in the Eucharist, and/or who are living in an irregular marriage are not qualified to be godparents or sponsors.  If single, they must not be living or cohabiting with another person.

Getting Started with your Child's Baptism Preparation

1. Register: At least one parent, rather the mother or the father ONLY, must live within our Sacred Heart boundaries, or be a registered parishioner of our parish. If not they must get a written letter of permission from their respective Catholic Church before proceeding with preparations. See Parish boundaries here.

Note: Parents who live outside of the parish boundaries need a letter of permission from their perspective Catholic parish.

2.  Baptism Preparation Class: Both Parents & Both Godparents need to attend the scheduled Baptism class for the preparation of Baptism. If any person attended a previous baptism class within the last 3 years, then, we can waive the class. We will ask for a Certificate or Letter of Completion for the Baptism class, any person attended. We do not accept certificates from online classes. We hold every person accountable to attend the class. For example, if the parent works out of town or if the Godparent lives out of town, it is their responsibility to find a local parish to attend these classes of Baptism. These classes are required for both parents and godparents, no exceptions.

3. Documents needed to Register a Child for Baptism-                             

 Only the legal Mother or Father can register the Child for Baptism

1. Authorization letter if parents live outside our parish boundaries.
2. Bring the Child's Original Birth Certificate (LONG FORM)
3. A Godparent Affidavit Form filled out by each godparent. (Please E-mail the parish Secretary to request this form with the subject tittle Godparent affidavit.) - Email: Secretary-SHEdinburg@cdob.org
4. Register in Advance: The dates and times for the classes are given at the time of registration ONLY. Register, at least one month before, the tentative date for baptism at our Sacred Heart Parish Office. If the parents or Godparents work/live out of town it is recommended that you register for the class minimum 3 months before the tentative date. 

If you have any question, please call: 956-383-3253 or email: secretary-shedinburg@cdob.org

Non-Infant or Adult Baptism

If you, or someone you know, is seeking Baptism as an Adult in the Catholic Church, please contact the Director of Adult Faith Formation, Dina Asbell. You can Contact Dina at (956) 383-4631 or email her at PCL-SHedinburg@cdob.org.

Note: Preparation for Baptism as an adult is a more involved process that usually takes a year or more.