The parents of the child to be baptized are able to choose both one godfather and one godmother or may only have one godparent (either godfather or godmother). It is not permitted to have two godfathers or two godmothers.
A godparent is expected to be:
- at least 16 years of age
- cannot be the father or mother of the child
- a fully initiated Catholic (having received valid Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion)
- if married, validly married in the Catholic Church
- trying to live a life according to the faith and fulfilling, at least, the minimum requirements (precepts) of the Church, which are:
- attendance at Mass on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation,
- going to Confession at least once a year,
- receiving the Eucharist at least once a year,
- observing the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church,
- and helping to provide for the needs of the Church.
If the godparent does not fulfill these requirements, he or she is unable to be a godparent.
However, as long as one chosen person does meet the requirements to be a godparent above, the second person can be a "Christian Witness"
Each godparent must obtain a letter of good standing from home parish and have it sent to:
Director of Religious Education
328 West McMillan Street
Cincinnati, OH 45219
Godparents are highly encouraged to make every effort to attend the Baptism Preparation Classes.