My husband and I are having our last child baptized. My husband comes from a large family and we are having a difficult time choosing between his sisters and brothers to be godparents. Is it allowable and appropriate for a child to have two godmothers and two godfathers?
No. One godparent is all that is necessary, but, if there are to be two, there must be one from each sex (i.e., a godmother and a godfather). Canon law states:
One sponsor, male or female, is sufficient; but there may be two, one of each sex (canon 873).
Please keep in mind that although the role of godparent is popularly understood as a social honor to be bestowed on loved ones, that is not the purpose of the role. Godparents witness the baptism and assist the parents in educating the child in the faith. In making your choice, you should choose a Catholic (or Catholics) who will be the best Christian role model(s) for your child and who will be willing to assist you in your child’s spiritual and religious formation.
If there are disappointed relatives, assure them that you will keep them in mind for “next time.” This may mean that they might be called to act as confirmation sponsors (should the godparents for some reason not be able to do so); or, perhaps, since Catholic spouses must leave their marital relations open to the possibility of new life, should God choose to grant you another child.
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