The Catholic Church has not introduced new guidelines for godparents in 2024, but it appears that clergy are paying closer attention to whether the candidate lives according to the faith they profess. During the interview, quite personal questions may also arise, related to family life or participation in Mass. Additionally, at the parish office, they might check whether you welcome the priest during the traditional Christmas visits and participate actively in parish life.
Certificate Required for Baptism – It's Essential
A person who wants to become a godparent must meet the criteria set by the Church. In this regard, nothing has changed. The candidate must be at least 16 years old, a practicing Catholic, and have received the sacraments of baptism, first communion, and confirmation. These criteria have remained unchanged for many years and are in accordance with church law, specifically Canon 874.
If there are no objections, the parish priest (or the vicar) issues a special certificate required for baptism at the parish office. However, if doubts arise, the priest has the right to ask a few questions and verify the candidate. This is not about knowing prayers by heart. Potential godparents may be asked about attending religious classes, Mass, freedom from canonical penalties, and awareness of the role of a godparent. Some questions may touch on more delicate matters, and even somewhat intimate issues, such as living in a non-marital union or the situation after a divorce – as these two cases disqualify someone from becoming a godparent.
"I was asked whether I had a church wedding and whether we welcome the priest during the Christmas visits. This was even immediately verified in the parish records, so there was no room for lies. The priest also lightly mentioned that we don't participate much in parish life, and since they were raising funds for the bell tower renovation, I took out my wallet to contribute. I gave 50 zł and immediately received the certificate," notes Ania, a reader.
If Not a Godparent, Then a Baptismal Witness?
Problems with obtaining the necessary certificate for a godparent can also make it difficult for parents to find suitable individuals. An alternative solution could be to have a "baptismal witness." Although they won't be recorded in the parish records as one of the godparents, they will be a witness to the event. Importantly, the clergy allow for "exceptional cases where individuals, such as those living in non-sacramental unions, those who have severed ties with the Church despite being baptized, or even unbaptized individuals who identify as atheists, can be appointed to this role. This seems acceptable because a baptismal witness is merely someone who can attest to the fact that the baptism took place, and not someone whose absence would affect the validity or propriety of the sacrament," as noted on the Urbanowice parish website.
