Baptismal & Marriage Sacrements
Sacrament of Baptism
The Importance of a Godparent/Sponsor
Before any other discussion about godparents/sponsors, the following is what Church Law or Canon Law dictates about the person:
- Chosen for this role by the one to be baptized (or by parents in the case of an infant);
- Must be 16 years of age or older (the local Bishop may establish a different age);
- Must be a Catholic who is Confirmed and who has received the Eucharist, and is leading a life in conformity with the faith and the role assumed as a sponsor;
- Is not bound by any canonical penalty. For example, if the godparent is married, they were married in a Catholic service. A civil marriage is not considered a valid marriage in the Catholic Church. For the role of godparent, this holds.
- Is not a parent to the baptized or the one to be Confirmed.
Please have this established before bringing the godparent to class. If the godparent is not registered in our Parish, we will ask for documentation from the parish where the godparent belongs. Becoming a godparent is a wonderful privilege. It is not one to be taken lightly. We ask parents to select wisely, select well.
Sacrament of Matrimony
The rite of marriage is but one moment, however significant, in the process of a marriage that begins before the rite and deepens and grows thereafter. In preparing couples for marriage, the Church focuses on both the rite and the process. In Catholic belief, Christ is at the center of married love; celebrated in the context of the Church and its faith tradition, marriage is understood as a covenant and an integral part of the journey of faith. So marriage in the Church is approached with great seriousness and deliberation. It is the responsibility of the pastor or other pastoral staff members appointed to help a couple discern their freedom and readiness to take this step.
The Church requires a preparation period of at least four to six months prior to the wedding to explore the couple’s readiness, to take care of necessary paperwork, and to ensure that the couple takes the time needed to prepare well. Engaged couples should secure a date for use of the church and begin this process before making commitments with caterers, reception facilities, etc.
Diocese of Honolulu
Please refer to the Diocese of Honolulu for further information & required documentation.
Hawaii Catholic Engaged Encounter
The Engaged Encounter Weekend offers couples a unique opportunity to look at their commitment to each other in a deeper way as they prepare for marriage.