Godparent and witness
Question from B.J. on 3/1/2008:

Since only one godparent is required for infant baptism, can an unbaptized person planning to convert be a witness to the baptism? When the unbaptized person does convert to Catholicism does he "become" a "godparent" much like his marriage would become sacramental?

Answer by Catholic Answers on 3/3/2008:
B.J.--

An unbaptized person cannot be a Christian witness at a baptism because he is not yet a Christian. He can however attend the baptism and witness the event alongside the rest of the congregation. His role does not change once he is baptized. The child's godparent(s) remain the one(s) who were godparent(s) at the time of the baptism.

The role of Christian witness is not meant to be confused with the role of godparent. What it is, essentially, is a way for parents to honor a close friend or relative who is a non-Catholic Christian while still retaining the sacramental discipline that only Catholics can act as godparents. It's an ecumenical gesture, if you will.

Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers