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How To...

Be a God Parent or Sponsor | Become a Catholic | Register with the Parish

How to be a God Parent or Sponsor

Often there are questions about the necessary qualifications for a Sponsor or a God Parent. A God Parent for Baptism or a Sponsor for a Confirmation candidate is a person who is interested and able to fulfill the role of a guide, companion and mentor. A sponsor is to be a person of good moral character who practices the Catholic faith. As a young person moves on in life, there is a need for spiritual encouragement and support. The Catholic Church gives requirements for the suitability of God Parents and Sponsors. The local pastor is to certify that the persons to serve in the role of Sponsor fulfills Church requirements. Persons who are members of Holy Family Parish and who are interested in being a God Parent or Sponsor should speak to the parish priest, Father Tom, in person. Father Tom is at the church vestibule before and after every weekend Mass. This would be a convenient time to see him about becoming a Sponsor or God Parent; or contact him at 724-847-3538. Persons who are members of another parish and who are interested in becoming a God Parent of Sponsor must visit with their own pastor and bring a "sponsor certificate" from their parish.

Requirements to become a Godparent or Sponsor

The person has received the Sacrament of Baptism.
The person has received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The person has received Holy Eucharist and participates at Sunday Mass weekly.
The person must be 16 years of age or old. Special permission from the pastor is required for a younger sponsor.
If the person is married, the marriage is recognized by the Catholic Church as valid.
The person belongs to a parish. This means that a person is registered at a parish.
The person supports their parish by use of the Sunday envelopes.
The person cannot be one of the parents of the child to be baptized or the person to be confirmed.
Someone may stand in for the God parent or sponsor on the day of Baptism or Confirmation. This person is called a proxy. The proxy must be certified as described above. The proxy may not be one of the parents.

Contact: Father Tom - 724-847-3538

How to become a Catholic

RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults [RCIA] is a process for persons who have never been baptized and persons who have been baptized in another Christian church who want to become a member of the Catholic Church. Catholics who have been baptized but never received the Sacraments of Confirmation or Holy Eucharist are also welcome to participate. The goal of the RCIA process is to help each person come to a full and conscious decision to participate actively in a life with Jesus Christ within the Catholic Church. This year, gatherings are held on Monday evenings 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the parish office. Everyone -from the parishes or the community at large - is invited to attend. Feel free to come to a single evening on a topic of interest or every evening! If you are interested in being a participant in the RCIA process or if you would like to help, please contact Father Tom.

How to Register at the Parish

The best way to register is to see Father Tom at church. He is at the vestibule of the church before and after Mass each week. Or call 724-847-3538.