Eligibility as Godparents / Sponsors

Expectant Parents / Potential Godparents - Please read here:

If you are visiting us today because you have been asked to be Sponsor or Godparent, or are considering Godparents for your child, congratulations!  You may also have been asked to provide a letter stating that you are a Catholic in good standing to serve in this important role.

Often when the potential Sponsor or Godparent is not practicing their faith, the parents, potential Godparent/ Sponsor, parish staff and most especially, the child or candidate - in a difficult situation.  It is important that when choosing this person, there is adequate time to prepare - both spiritually and otherwise - for the sacrament. 

If you are an "eligible" Catholic who has moved here recently but not registered here, and there is urgency for this letter, it is recommended that you contact the church you are currently or most recently were registered that may have evidence that you are a fully initiated, practicing Catholic. 

Otherwise, if you have been attending Mass, please register with us and provide your sacramental information.

If you are registered and have been attending Mass for at least six months or more and can truthfully state you fulfill the following requirements, please contact us at secretary@stjohnmanayunk.org or call 215-462-4600:
 

1. You are a fully initiated, practicing Catholic, (by having received all of the sacraments -- Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation; *and Marriage  - in the Catholic Church.
    
2. You are an established member of the parish by actively Participating in Sunday Mass at St. John the Baptist for at least six months since registering, with regular reception of the sacraments (Reconciliation/Holy Eucharist).
    
3. You are living in conformity with church teaching in Married Life (Sacramentally Married / not cohabitating if single; not remarried)

   4.  You are 16 years of age or older.

*A person unable to stand as Godparent or Sponsor that may not request a letter is:

-Cohabitating or Civilly Married

-Under the age of 16

-Not fully initiated (did not make all of the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation in the Catholic Church)

-No longer practicing their Catholic Faith as an active member of a Catholic parish community

-A person who was fully initiated Roman Catholic who now belongs to a Christian church or other belief

Please send requests in writing by e-mailing sjbphila@stjohnmanayunk.org or by calling 215-482-4600.  Only the Godparent/Sponsor may contact the office. 

Generally requests that are fulfilled will be reviewed by the Pastor within one week for anyone that meets the requirements above and is an established member of the parish.

Letters must be picked up in person at the Rectory and signed by the Sponsor before submitting it to the parish requesting the letter.

In your request, please include your name, phone number, the name of the person/child you are sponsoring, and the parish requesting the letter.