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.