Sponsor Requirements

Have you been asked to be a sponsor for Confirmation or the Godparent of a child who will be baptized?  If so, you must receive permission from your parish of registration.  In order to receive permission you must fulfill the requirements established by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and complete the Affidavit of Eligibility (English form, Spanish form) in front of your parish representative and if permission is granted, return the signed affidavit with the affixed parish seal to the SMDLP Parish Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for a Godparent (sponsor)?

Godparents must be at least 16 years old, confirmed, and actively worshiping and sharing of their time, talent, and treasure in the parish for at least three (3) months. If the godparents are married, they must be married according to the norms of the Roman Catholic Church.

What is meant by actively worshipping and how do you know if I am attending Mass?

Actively worshipping and participating parishioners at SMDLP are registered parishioners who attend Sunday Mass every week. It is a part of our faith that we attend Mass on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation. They also participate by giving of their talent by serving in Church ministries or volunteering for Church activities. 

Regular monetary contributions through the use of Parish family contribution envelopes confirms your attendance at Mass. While stopping and speaking with the Priest is always welcome, it does not replace the use of envelopes every week. It is just not possible for the Priest to remember everyone at any given Mass every week. If you prefer to write only one check per month, it is fine to continue doing so, just use the remainder of your (empty) envelopes the rest of the month. The same goes for those who do not have the financial means to contribute. Place your empty envelope or what you can afford at the time in the collection basket. This helps us verify your attendance. By the way, dropping multiple envelopes in the collection basket at once only counts as Mass attendance the week the envelopes are placed in the basket! 

What if I am currently registered in my parent's household but am over the age of 18?

Once an adult child reaches the age of 18 years, they should register on their own in the parish even if they still live at home.  This can be done on-line or in person at the parish office during regular business hours.  The adult child should also be actively practicing the faith through keeping the Precepts of the Church.

What are the Precepts of the Church?

1. Attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. (We encourage submitting tithing envelopes each week with a donation that is comfortable for your income at the time. If someone asks if you are a practicing Catholic, this helps us denote regular Mass attendance.) 
2. Confession of serious sin at least once a year. 
3. Reception of Holy Communion at least once a year during the Easter season.
4. Observance of the days of fast and abstinence. 
5. Providing for the needs of the Church. 

What if I am registered at another parish and not at Santa Maria de la Paz?  How do I obtain permission?

If Godparents are registered at a parish other than Santa Maria de la Paz, they must obtain permission from their parish to act as a sponsor.  Click here to download an English sponsor permission form (Affidavit of Eligibility).  Haga clic aquí para descargar un formulario en español.

How do I complete the sponsor permission form?

1. The sponsor takes the affidavit (unsigned) to his/her parish where he/she is registered.
2. In front of the parish representative, the sponsor fills in the affidavit and gives it to the parish representative.
3. The parish representative verifies that the sponsor is a registered and active member of the parish.
4. If verification is granted, the parish representative signs the affidavit and affixes the parish seal.
5. The sponsor submits the signed and sealed affidavit to the SMDLP parish office.