Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word." Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Sacrament of Baptism is the key that opens the door of faith. Through the waters of Baptism, the Original Sin committed by our first parents is washed away and our souls purified. By this purification, we become children of God and enter into a relationship with God that can never be erased. Furthermore, we die to sin and are united with Christ and, through the anointing with the Sacred Oil of Chrism, share in His three-fold Office as Priest, Prophet and King.
Church Requirement for Godparents:
- For Baptism, ideally there should be two godparents (one male, one female) and both godparents should be Catholic. However, only one godparent is necessary but that godparent must be Catholic. There may not be more than two.
- Godparents must be at least 16 years of age.
- A practicng Catholic who has been confirmed. (A practicing Catholic is one who attends Mass regularly and is sincerely devoted to his or her faith in Christ and his Church.)
- A non-Catholic Christian may be a Christian witness together with a Catholic godparent. This person must submit a certificate of baptism from the church in which he/she was baptized. A non-baptized person may not act as a Christian Witness.
- Provide a letter from their home parish. The letter states that the godparent is a member in good standing of a particular parish and is eligible to be a sponsor for baptism.