Dear Catholic Exchange:
How old can a person be to qualify as godparent? I once heard 16, but can a 15½-year-old, confirmed Catholic be a godparent? I was hoping our oldest child could be godparent to our newest baby.
Thank you
Dear Friend in Christ,
A child who has reached the age of reason and has been confirmed may be a godparent. The Church assigned 16 as the general norm, but your priest can decide if the child chosen to be a godparent is mature enough to handle the responsibility. The reason for this norm is as follows: the Church assigns a specific role to the godparent, which is to help in the spiritual formation of the child. If the godparent is too young or is mentally incapacitated he or she cannot provide a consistent example to his or her godchild.
Here is a related Faith Fact, from our website, that presents other Church norms. Spiritual Parents: The Role of Godparents in the Catholic Church.
United in the Faith,
Eric Stoutz
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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