For a person to act as a sponsor, the following requirements must be met:
- Be designated by the candidate, parents, guardians, or pastor.
- Have the intention of performing the role of sponsor.
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Be a fully initiated Catholic (received Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation).
- Lead a life in harmony with the Faith and role of a sponsor (i.e. be a registered member of a parish, attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, follow the five precepts of the Church as described in the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2041-2043, and faithful to the laws of the Church regarding marriage).
- Not bound by any canonical penalty.
- Not the father or mother of the candidate.