Roman Catholic Canon Law :

Key Qualifications and Sponsor Requirements for Catholics – for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and to act as witnesses to the Sacrament of Marriage

  1. The Catholic must be at least 16 years of age.
  2. The Catholic must have received the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation.
  3. The Catholic must be a member of a Catholic Parish and be “in good standing.” This means that the Catholic is attending Mass every week, is in reception of the Sacraments, and is not living with someone outside of marriage.
  4. The Catholic, if married, must have been married within the Catholic Church by a deacon, priest, or bishop.
  5. The Catholic may act as a sponsor, if they are in the process of an annulment of a marriage. A letter from their pastor would verify this action.
  6. It is acceptable if the Catholic has been divorced and has received an annulment for that marriage, but they must be  “in good standing.” A letter from their pastor would verify this action.
  7. It is acceptable if the Catholic is divorced, without receiving an annulment, IF they are not remarried or living with someone outside of marriage, and are “in good standing” with the Church. A letter from their pastor would verify this action. If the Catholic is divorced and remarried outside of the Catholic Church, without receiving an annulment from the first marriage, then they would not be able to be a Catholic sponsor or witness to a marriage.