We continue with an examination of the Rite of Baptism for Children:
6. Each child may have a godfather (patrinus) and a godmother (matrina), the word “godparents” is used in the rite to describe both.
Largely interpreted that a child may have either or both, but not more than one of either gender.
7. In addition to what is said about the ordinary minister of baptism in the General Introduction to Christian Initiation nos. 11-15, the following should be noted:
1. It is the duty of the priest to prepare families for the baptism of their children and to help them in the task of Christian formation that they have undertaken. It is the duty of the bishop to coordinate such pastoral efforts in the diocese, with the help also of deacons and lay people.
Diocesan-level efforts may include the organization of schools and religious educators/catechists.
2. It is also the duty of the priest to arrange that baptism is always celebrated with proper dignity and, as far as possible, adapted to the circumstances and wishes of the families concerned. All who perform the rite of baptism should do so with exactness and reverence; they must also try to be understanding and friendly to all.
The ordinary minister is called to execute a balance here. Adaptation is encouraged in the context of dignity and friendliness.