Godparents are to play a real and vital role in the life of the child being baptized. Too often, godparents are chosen simply because they are relatives, with parents trying not to offend either side of the family by leaving someone out.

The chouse should be made on very different grounds. A godparent should be one who will be able to share their faith with the child, helping the child by word and example to understand what it means to live as a member of the Church.

It is for this reason that the Church requires that a godparent be Catholic, be old enough to undertake the responsibility, be confirmed and living an active faith life. A Christian of another denomination may stand as one of the witnesses at the baptism. Such a witness should also be actively living the Christian faith in his or her own denomination.