SCHOOL　•　EVENTS AT OSM　•　BULLETIN　•　WATCH ONLINE　•　STAFF PORTAL　•　VOLUNTEER PORTAL

Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church
GIVE

Baptismal Godparents & Confirmation Sponsors

Request a Letter of Good Standing

Have you been invited to serve as a godparent or Confirmation sponsor? We’re happy to help you prepare for this important role in someone’s life of faith.

A letter of good standing confirms that a Catholic is eligible to serve as a baptismal godparent or Confirmation sponsor. The parish celebrating the sacrament may ask for this letter from your home parish, or provide its own form for a priest to complete.

Who may serve as a godparent or Confirmation sponsor?

According to Canon Law, a person serving as a baptismal godparent or Confirmation sponsor must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a fully initiated Catholic who has received Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation.
  • Be at least 16 years of age.
  • Be a practicing Catholic who leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken.
  • If married, should have been married in a Catholic ceremony.

A baptized non-Catholic may not serve as a Catholic godparent or Confirmation sponsor. At a Baptism, they may serve as a Christian witness alongside a Catholic godparent.

All godparents must provide a letter of good standing from their home parish, confirming their eligibility to serve as godparents.

How to request your letter

If Old St. Mary’s is your home parish, please email our baptism coordinator, Lauren Huelster, at baptisms@oldstmarys.com. In your email, please include:

  • Your full name and the best way to reach you.
  • Whether you will be a baptismal godparent or a Confirmation sponsor.
  • The name of the person receiving the sacrament.
  • The date of the celebration and the name and location of the parish where it will take place.
  • When the letter is needed and where it should be sent.
  • Any form or instructions provided by the parish celebrating the sacrament.
Email Your Request →

If you are not a current parishioner at Old St. Mary’s, you may have to speak with one of our priests before a letter is issued to confirm your eligibility. Please allow at least one week for us to fulfill your request.