If you are asked to be a Confirmation Sponsor/Baptismal Godparent, please refer to these guidelines. If you do not qualify, please decline the request and give the family time to ask someone else.
Step 1: Are you eligible to be a sponsor or godparent?
The Roman Catholic Church (not Blessed Sacrament) has strict guidelines for sponsors (which includes baptismal godparents).
1) Must be a current and practicing member of the Roman Catholic Church, attending weekly Mass, and living in accordance with the Roman Catholic Faith (this is what is commonly referred to as being in good standing with the Roman Catholic Church).
2) Must be validly baptized.
3) Must have received the Sacraments of Confirmation and Communion.
4) If married, must have been married in the Roman Catholic Church.
5) Must be over the age of 16.
6) Parents cannot be sponsor/godparent of their own children.
Step 2: Obtain the Sponsor Certificate
All Roman Catholic Sponsors (Godparents) must obtain a Sponsor certificate from the Church where they are attending weekly Mass stating that they are eligible to act as a Sponsor at a Baptism or Confirmation. The certificate has the seal of the parish and the parish priest's signature.
If you are a participating member of Blessed Sacrament Parish, please call the rectory at 914-632-3700 and set up an appointment to get a Sponsor Certificate.
If you are planning the baptism for your child, please refer to the Sacrament of Baptism page for additional info regarding selecting sponsors/godparents.