The role of a Godparent in the Catholic church is an important one. They are not merely ceremonial gift-givers, nor are they required to physically adopt a child in the event of a parent’s death.
     Choosing godparents should be done based on their spiritual maturity and eligibility in meeting the Church’s guidelines: they must be a practicing Catholic, and have received all the initiation sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. They must live a life of faith in agreement with the Church’s teachings, and be familiar with the faith in order to catechize the baptized person and ensue their spiritual well-being, which befits the role of  to be undertaken by Godparents.  Godparents are to be one man and one woman and if married, married in the Catholic faith.  A non-Catholic person can be chosen as a "witness", but there must be at least one “active” Catholic Godparent as well.
     A person who wishes to be a Godparent must provide written verification of eligibility from their home parish that they are an “active parishioner.” This is determined by the Pastor of the church, based on documentation of your tithe envelope that you are registered and attend Mass regularly.
     If you are selecting Godparents for the Baptism of a child, or if you have been asked to be a Godparent, it is important to contact the Parish office several months in advance of the baptismal date to obtain an official Sacramental sponsor letter from the Pastor.