As you choose godparents for your child, remember that it is a lifetime commitment. We do not change the baptismal register if you are unhappy with the person later. Please consider the following guidelines when making your decision:

1. Since godparents serve as role models for your children as Catholic Christians, a godparent should be a practicing Roman Catholic at least 16 years of age, who has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. The godparents are to obtain a godparent letter from the parish in which he/she is registered stating that they are registered members of the parish and eligible to be a godparent. Parishes readily provide this certificate. If you are not able to obtain a godparent letter, then that person will not be able to serve as a godparent.
    

2. There should be at least one Catholic godparent. If there are two godparents, then they should be male and female. If you want a non-Catholic Christian to serve as a Christian witness, then that person should be baptized. Obviously a person who is not a Christian cannot serve as a Christian witness. Please note that these are requirements of the universal Church, not just the Church of the Immaculate Conception. 
    

3. If a godparent cannot attend the Baptism, a proxy should be present at the celebration to take his/her place. The name of the godparent, however, not the proxy, will appear on the child's baptismal certificate.