Choosing the right person to walk with you is one of the most meaningful parts of your journey. Here's a simple way to know who you need — and what the Church asks of them.
Godparent or sponsor — which do you need?
The word depends on the sacrament:
For Baptism
Godparent — chosen by someone who is being baptized.
For Confirmation
Sponsor — chosen by someone who is being confirmed.
If you are being baptized at the Easter Vigil, you are baptized and confirmed on the same night — so your godparent also serves as your Confirmation sponsor. One person fills both roles. The Church encourages this, to show how closely the two sacraments belong together.
To be clear about the OCIA paths:
Not yet baptized: you need a godparent (who is also your Confirmation sponsor at the Vigil).
Already baptized in another Christian faith: you are not baptized again — you need a sponsor for Confirmation.
Preparing for First Communion - Check with your parish faith formation leaders for direction.
What they do
A godparent promises to help guide you in living your faith. A sponsor presents you to the bishop at Confirmation. The spiritual roles differ a little, but the heart of both is the same — to walk alongside you and support you in your Catholic life, not just at the ceremony but on the road ahead.
We hope they'll join you. Godparents and sponsors are encouraged to attend the half-day retreat at the start of the year and the half-day retreat on the Saturday of Palm Sunday weekend, and to take part in the Rite of Sending, the Rite of Election, and the Easter Vigil Mass — and at as many OCIA sessions as they can.
Who can serve
The requirements are the same for a godparent and a sponsor. To serve in either role, a person must:
1Be at least 16 years old.
2Be a fully initiated Catholic — baptized, confirmed, and having received the Eucharist — who is a practicing Catholic in good standing.
3If married, be married in the Catholic Church.
4Not be under any Church penalty.
5Not be the parent of the person being baptized or confirmed.
A few good things to know
One is enough. You need only one godparent. If you choose two, one must be male and one female.
Siblings can serve if they meet all the requirements above.
We recommend choosing someone other than your spouse for this role.
A note on Christian witnesses
A baptized Christian who is not Catholic may take part as an official witness to a baptism — but only alongside a Catholic godparent who fully meets the requirements above. The witness should be an active member of their own church, and their name is recorded as an "official witness."