St. Lawrence Sponsor Elegibility Form

Each person seeking approval to act as a sponsor should fill their own form out. 

ARCHDIOCESAN REQUIREMENTS

The Archdiocese of Atlanta defines “Active Parishioners” as:

• Those who have been registered in the parish for at least three (3) months; (please note that if you were NOT registered during the last three (3) months in this parish, you must provide evidence that you were previously an active members at another parish, for a cumulative period of at least three (3) months).
• And attend Mass weekly and on Holydays of Obligation
• And contribute financially (in a trackable way) to support the parish and the Annual Appeal
• And contribute time and talent by participating in at least one ministry in the parish.

 

**Please note that Catholic Schools have a six (6) month minimum period of active participation at a Parish for a family to be considered active.

 

CANONICAL REQUIREMENTS

According to Canon Law, the basic requirements for a Godparent are:

• Must be at least 16 years old. (Canon 874 §1, 2°)
• Must have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. (Canon 874 §1, 3°)
• Must not be the parent of the catechumen/candidate. (Canon 874 §1, 5°)
• Must be a practicing Catholic in communion with the Church (if married, must be in a valid sacramental marriage). (Canon 874 §1, 4° and Canon 1124-1125 for mixed marriages)
• Must be an active and registered member of a Catholic parish.*
• (Preferably) In the case of adults, must not be the spouse or partner of the catechumen/candidate.

*Note: This requirement is not explicitly stated in the Code of Canon Law, but our diocese requires it as part of its pastoral guidelines.

Sponsors play a crucial role in supporting and guiding those entering the Church. According to Church guidelines, sponsors who are married must have celebrated their marriage within the Church through the Sacrament of Matrimony. Unfortunately, if your marriage was celebrated in a civil ceremony or outside the Church, you would not be able to serve as a sponsor at this time.

However, we warmly invite you to explore the process of having your marriage blessed in the Church, which would allow you to fully participate in this important ministry in the future. Please don't hesitate to contact us—we’re here to support you every step of the way."