“Through baptism men and women are incorporated into Christ. They are formed into God’s people, and they obtain forgiveness of all their sins. They are raised from their natural human condition to the dignity of adopted children. They become a new creation through water and the Holy Spirit. Hence they are called, and are indeed, the children of God.”

Responsibilities of a Sponsor

Requirements of a Sponsor

• There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each.
• The sponsor must be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the person who takes their place, or in their absence by the pastor or minister, and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function.
• The sponsor must have completed the sixteenth year of age, unless the pastor has granted an exception for a just cause.
• The sponsor must be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist, and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on.
• The sponsor must not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared. The sponsor must not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.
• The Diocese of Stockton requires preparation for sponsors for baptism. For infant baptism, the sponsor(s) must complete the baptism preparation program with the parents or at his/her own parish. For the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the sponsor should be present with the catechumen throughout his or her preparation.
• Eastern rite church participants who are in full communion with the Catholic Church can be a sponsor only along with a Catholic sponsor from the Roman Rite.
• A baptized Christian who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community is not to participate except together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the baptism. The role of witness is reserved for Christians not initiated into the Catholic Church. A Catholic who does not meet the requirements for a sponsor cannot serve as a Christian Witness.

Pastoral Judgment and Considerations

• Active participation in a Church community
• If married, married in accord with the laws of the Church
• Regular reception of the Eucharist and participation in the sacramental life of the Church
• In communion with the Diocesan Bishop
• Responsive to the social teaching of the Church
• The faith they profess in baptism is reflected in their moral life
• Personal spirituality evidenced by a life of prayer and communion with the Church

Baptismal Information