Choosing a Godparent for Baptism

We invite you to discern who will godparent your child as you bring him/her to be baptized. After your discernment, please complete and return the following forms as needed.

Godparent Discernment Form

Christian Witness Form

The following may be helpful as you discern.

The godparent is one who:

• Represents both the wider spiritual family, and therefore, is an active member of the Catholic Church
• Represents the role of the Church as mother, and therefore nurtures the child in the faith and has a desire to keep the child "in the Family" of God throughout life
• Helps the parents so that the infant will come to profess the faith and to express it in life. With the parents, the godparent professes the Church's faith, and therefore, believes and defends the creeds and doctrines of the Catholic faith

Note: At least one godparent is needed.

The godparent is invited to have a significant effect on the life of an individual who receives Baptism. A godparent should not underestimate his/her role. In rare cases, exceptions are made, but parents are to choose a godparent who:

• Is not the father or mother of the individual to be baptized
• Is aged 16 years or older
• Has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist in the Catholic Church
• Lives a life consistent with faith and the responsibility of a godparent

Note: If a godparent is unable to be present at the celebration of Baptism, another individual may stand in the godparent's place as a "proxy."

After choosing one godparent, you are encouraged to choose a second godparent who also meets the above guidelines. Please note that this godparent is NOT to be of the same sex as the other godparent. In other words, you may have one male godparent, or one female godparent, or one male and one female godparent (but not two males or two females).

You also have the option of choosing just ONE godparent and ONE Christian witness. The Christian witness stands as a witness to the Baptism. The Christian witness is one who:

• Is aged 16 years or older
• Is a validly baptized Christian
• Is living an upright life
• Is not the parent of the one being baptized
• Is not a Catholic who has left the Catholic Church or the practice of the Catholic faith

If the godparent(s)/Christian witness you are discerning do not meet the above guidelines, you will likely want to consider other individuals. If you have any questions regarding the choice of godparent(s) or a Christian witness, please contact Tricia Tranel before asking someone to take on this special role in your child's life.

Once you have chosen your godparent(s), please print the following form and complete it together with your godparent(s).

Godparent Discernment Form

If you have chosen a Christian witness, please ask the individual to complete the following form.

Christian Witness Form

All forms should be completed and returned at least two weeks before the baptism date using the contact information below:

Baptism Coordinator
1240 Rush St.
Dubuque, IA 52003
or [email protected]