Godparents who are non-parishioners of Queen of Angels are required to send a letter from their
parish priest verifying that they are practicing Catholics. This letter must be sent to Queen of Angels
before the Baptism is scheduled.
Attend the Baptism Preparation Program. If attending at another parish, a letter from that parish to
verify attendance is required and must be received at Queen of Angels before the Baptism is scheduled.
Live exemplary Christian lives as a model for the child to be baptized.
The selection of two godparents is customary, but only one, either male or female, is required for baptism. If two godparents are chosen, one should be male and one female (canon 873).
A Christian, baptized in another faith tradition, may not serve as godparent, but may serve as a witness
along with the Catholic godparent and should be recorded accordingly (canon 874, §2).
Please read this for more information on the Role of Godparents.
The Role of Godparents
It is an ancient custom of the Church that at the Baptism of infants, godparents be present to
represent the whole faith community.
To be chosen as a godparent is a special honor. You, above all others, have been entrusted with the
responsibility to participate in this child’s Christian life and education.
This privilege offers you the opportunity to develop a mutually enriching spiritual
relationship- one that will last throughout this life and beyond.
There are many ways you can nurture this special relationship and become a special friend
to your godchild. Among them are:
Celebrate the anniversary of this holy day of Baptism each year with a visit, a call, or a card.
As your godchild grows, listen to and share in the struggles and triumphs of living a
Christian life, and keep yourself informed on Christian doctrine and values, to be able to answer
questions as they arise.
Encourage a consistent life of faith through special cards, letters, or gifts which
celebrate holy events…Christmas, Easter… and personal growth events…graduation, first job, engagement.
(Gift suggestions: A bible, spiritual book, rosary, religious jewelry, gift certificate for religious
goods/books, retreat opportunity.)
Participate in, or send assurance of prayer, as your child receives the other sacraments,
particularly First Communion and Confirmation, which complete initiation into the Church community.
Be supportive of your godchild’s parents in their role as the primary religious educators of their child.
And, most importantly, become a model of Christian living for your godchild, through daily prayer,
virtue, and active participation in parish life and liturgy.
By living a Christian life in partnership with your godchild, both of you will experience
the great joy of sharing a life of faith.