II. REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS/LEGAL

GUARDIANS  

IB 1. Parents (guardians) are responsible for requesting the

sacrament of baptism for their infant/child. A period of

catechetical preparation is required for the parents

(guardians) and godparents of those preparing for the baptism

of infants and children. Every parish and faith community in

the Archdiocese of Seattle is to make provisions that preparation for the sacrament of
​baptism take place (see CIC,c. 867).

IB 2. All parishes of the Archdiocese shall integrate appropriate

options into their sacramental preparation process that

account for the age and/or condition of the individual

requesting baptism. In cases of non sui compos, the parent or

legal guardian may request baptism. All policies relating to

parents (guardians) of infants and children shall be applicable

to parents and guardians of non sui compos individuals.

Non sui compos is a term that refers to individuals who are deemed

not fully capable of informed consent.

IB 3. Consent by at least one biological parent or legal guardian is

the minimum requirement for baptism to occur (see CIC, c.

868 §1, 1°).

In cases where the parents (guardians) of a child being presented

for baptism are separated or divorced, it may be prudent to delay

baptism when one parent (guardian) requests baptism and the other

is opposed, especially if to baptize violates a provision of a divorce

settlement in civil law.

IB 4. For an infant/child to be baptized at least one practicing

Catholic shall agree to raise the child in the practice of the

faith.

The readiness of the parents or legal guardians is considered, in

part, through their participation in and completion of a parish

baptism preparation program of a recommended duration in which

a life of faith, the family life as domestic church, and the ritual

itself are emphasized. While participation in a parish preparation

process is normative, pastors may on occasion use other means of

determining the readiness of parents or legal guardians. It is

recommended that preparation begin during pregnancy whenever

possible (see CIC, c. 867 §1).

IB 5. When parents (guardians) are not in a valid Catholic marriage,

particularly those who are attempting to observe their faith

(e.g., through Mass attendance, participation in parish and

school life) baptismal preparation is to include a process by

which couples are encouraged to regularize their marital status

within the Church in order to live out their Catholic faith more

fully in the presence of their children.

IB 6. Parents or legal guardians should be registered members of the

parish in which initiation occurs or reside within the canonical

boundaries of that parish when it is territorial. However,

registration alone cannot be used as a means for refusing the

sacraments.

V. SPONSORS (GODPARENTS)/WITNESSES

IB 16. Sponsors (godparents) are to be sixteen years of age, practicing

Catholics who have already been confirmed, received the most

holy sacrament of the Eucharist, and are not bound by any

canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared. The

reception of the sacraments of initiation of the sponsors

(godparents) is to be verified (see CIC, c. 874 §1, 2º-4°).

IB 17. Although one sponsor (godparent) is sufficient, when there are

two sponsors (godparents), one must be male and one female

(see CIC, c. 873).

IB 18. Sponsors (godparents) are chosen by the parents/legal

guardians of the infant or child to be baptized and are willing

to accept the responsibility of presenting the infant or child for

baptism, assisting the parents/legal guardians, and witnessing

the public event of the sacrament. A sponsor (godparent) is

also responsible for assisting the baptized in fulfilling the

obligations acquired by the sacrament (see CIC, c. 872).

IB 19. Sponsors (godparents) may not be the parents/legal guardians

parish in which initiation occurs or reside within the canonical

boundaries of that parish when it is territorial. However,

registration alone cannot be used as a means for refusing the

sacraments.