Siblings as Godparents

[jmj777]

Dh and i are thinking of asking our 16 yr old daughter and 12 yr old son to be Godparents to baby-to-be #5, their sibling. Our kids are very active in the church and our 12 yr old son will be Confirmed this October. Baby will be born in December.

Anyone know if we’ll need special dispensation from our bishop or if such a thing is allowed?
We completely understand the role of the Godparent and feel no one more suited.

Peace.
+JMJ+

 

[mommy_k]

I believe the Canon law states age 16, and fully initiated into the faith, ie: reception of all sacraments.

The Canon law has changed–as there have been godparents that wrre younger in the old days…

But this is under the discretion of your priest and he can allow it under exceptional circumstances… I would ask him.

 

[1ke]

Anyone know if we’ll need special dispensation from our bishop or if such a thing is allowed?

You do not need a dispensation from the bishop. The pastor can give permission:

Can. 874 §1. To be permitted to take on the function of sponsor a person must:

1/ be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the person who takes their place, or in their absence by the pastor or minister and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function;

2/ have completed the sixteenth year of age, unless the diocesan bishop has established another age, or the pastor or minister has granted an exception for a just cause;

3/ be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on;

4/ not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared;

5/ not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.

§2. A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community is not to participate except together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the baptism.

 

[Mamanurse]

As others have stated you will need the dispensation for the age thing. You do not need one because they are siblings.

 

[ejlo1]

How nice! My parents named siblings (including me) as godparents for babies #6 and #7. They did have to get special permission for my brother to be named godfather because of his age, but it wasn’t a problem because I was over 16.