I’ve just been invited to be a baptismal godfather to my friend’s daughter. At first I felt honored and privileged. Then I realized what was going on…I was selected by elimination! According to the Church, a godparent must meet the following criteria:

1. A child must have one practicing Roman Catholic godparent in good standing with the Church
2. This Catholic godparent must be at least 16 years old and be mature enough to understand, accept and carry out the duties of a godparent.
3. A godparent must have received the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
4. A godparent must be living an exemplary life consistent with faith and morals as taught by the Roman Catholic Church.
5. A godparent must be actively practicing the faith.
6. A nonCatholic, baptized Christian may be chosen as a Christian Witness, as long as one godparent is Catholic.
7. If two godparents are chosen, they may not be of the same gender.
8. There may be no more than two godparents.
9. If both are Catholic, both must meet all the criteria above.
10. Cannot be the mother or father of the baby.
11. If married, the marriage must be in accord with the laws of the Church.

The other unspoken criteria is that the godparent must be a friend of the family right?

Ok, so they are turning a blind eye to number 4. I’m still thrilled.