Dear catholic.com visitors: This website from Catholic Answers, with all its many resources, is the worlds largest source of explanations for Catholic beliefs and practices. Be a spiritual mentor. Being a godparent is a religious and/or social role with no legal requirements. One godfather tried to trump his three rival godparents by giving said godchild a string of Cartier pearls at her christening - though this may have been his future get-out clause, as we have never seen or heard from him since. As discussed prior, many parents choose these witnesses to function just like a godparent. It goes beyond friendship, even family bonds. A godparent serves God in developing a close-knit relationship with the child, encouraging through a Christian light whenever possible. To Kaeley, the term godparent is a formalityshes not entirely sure who her own godparents are, so they obviously have not mentored me very much, she says. The minimum age for a godparent in the Catholic Church is sixteen This also opens the door for non-Christians as well. A godparents responsibilities dont necessarily change. As we see in the liturgy, how we act toward certain things communicates their importancee.g., standing for the Gospel reading or kneeling before the holy Eucharist. They help the child know they are a beloved child of God, listen to and pray for them, and celebrate the anniversary of their baptism. In the modern baptism of an infant or child, the godparent or godparents make a profession of faith for the person being baptized (the godchild) and assume an obligation to serve as proxies for the parents if the parents either are unable or neglect to provide for the religious training of the child, in fulfillment of baptismal promises. In modern times the role of godparents remains the same in the root: to encourage a child up in the Lord. Have they handled trials and stormy seasons in a godly manner? Only one will serve as the Catholic sponsor, but both may use the title godparent. One of the pair may also be non-Catholic, as long as he or she is baptized and the second godparent is a devout Catholic. Pursuant to the law of the Church, a godparent (or sponsor) must, in pertinent part, be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on (Can. 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Parents should not feel obligated to select a favorite family member or friend; rather, they ought to seek partners who will join with them in this earthly pilgrimage to help their child attain heaven. Sometimes, faith isnt the only requirement. The godparents will publicly affirm their commitment to help the parents in their Christian duty to raise the child in accordance with true religion. The Code of Canon law establishes the duties of a godparent and states: Insofar as possible, a person to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who assists an adult in Christian initiation or together with the parents presents an infant for baptism. Some churches have no age requirement. The duties of a godparent are simple: be holy so that you may help lead your godchild into holiness. A priest or minister may also appoint someone suitable if need be. If the godparent is religious, a personalized devotional or religious icon. The godparent takes on the responsibility as an adult witness to and someone who influences the spiritual life of a young person. Photo Credit: GettyImages/Kay Fochtmann EyeEm. Thats part of what the godparent relationship means, Flinn says. In those instances, they still remain the godparent. Help! While each church may have slight differences in the ceremony, most baptisms involving infants are close to identical. Its by no means a light undertaking when considered. Baptized Part of His Flock Lamb Some faiths allows for more than two godparents. Be sure to ask those questions in the preparations leading up to the baptism. Rabbi Irwin Huberman, Congregation Tifereth Israel, Glen Cove: The concept of the godparent does not really exist within Judaism. $39.95, NAB First Communion Bible When a child is born, you want them to be part of something, she says. Her brother, Chris, and his wife, Tara, had just welcomed their first child in May and wanted to name Kaeley godmother. Ask your godchild to share his or her hopes and expectations. WebParents should not choose godparents because they feel obligated, or because they think that if they don't ask a certain person or couple that they will be offended. Much of a childs perspective of Christianity will come from how they see other Christians living, this includes godparents. Moreover, parents may select a godparent based upon his or her character. It is the same with the godparent. In a loud voice she exclaimed: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! Today, some parents are choosing to have their children baptized mostly as a reason to celebrate the birth of the child, Alfani says. You can talk to your vicar about choosing godparents and involving them in the christening preparation too. I try to be a good person, so I show by example: Hey, Im being a good person; maybe you should be too. Historically, it held more social weight than spiritual, says Bernadette Sweetman, a postdoctoral researcher in adult religious education and faith development at Dublin City University. That trust his or her parents placed in you makes you the perfect mentor. Father Peter Garry, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Southold: The relationship ends only when either the godchild or the godparent dies. Are your words of encouragement, faith in God, and of light? The bigger the family, the bigger the network.. WebParents should not choose godparents because they feel obligated, or because they think that if they don't ask a certain person or couple that they will be offended. 10 Creative and Cute Crafts for Kids This Easter, 7 Things I Would Do Differently if I Were Raising My Children Again, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. One heavenly godmother took her charge to a Knightsbridge restaurant where children could draw on the tablecloths with crayons and, suddenly, the traumatised tot couldn't give a stuff about the war going on at home. WebParents should not choose godparents because they feel obligated, or because they think that if they don't ask a certain person or couple that they will be offended. Relaying this to their priest, Chris and Tara were given the go-ahead to name Kaeley godmother. WebThe Church of England, the mother Church of the Anglican Communion, retained godparents in baptism, formally removing the marriage barriers in 1540, but the issue of the role and status of godparents continued to be debated in the English Church. Then you can help the child cultivate a devotion by remembering the patronal feast day alongside the sacramental anniversaries and providing gifts that foster a relationship between the child and his patron. The choosing of godparents and the role to become a godparent is no light matter, it is a great honor that should be taken seriously. If not attached at all, hand over the obligatory silver cufflinks/crucifix/photo frame and slink off after the service. But as your relationship grows with your godchild, you may choose to do some activities together or assist in other ways as your finances dictate. Imagine a child going to college with a robust collection of spiritual workseach one inscribed as a memento of what is truly important in life. WebThe role of a godparent doesn't end with the ceremony. Mordecai did not act only as a guardian to Esther in providing housing and food, but spiritually as a godfather to her. First, one of guidance in faith. Each year, especially when the child is young, purchase a spiritual classic for your godchild on his baptismal anniversary or patronal feast, and inscribe it. You may serve in the role alone, or the child may have two godparents. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!. If the baptism is Catholic, the answer is no. They do not. Because, as we all know from experience, friendships sometimes wane. WebYour role as a godparent begins at the baptism. Until the 17th century, parents frequently chose godparents who were unrelated to the infant to create a community outside of family. To Kaeley, the term godparent is a formalityshes not entirely sure who her own godparents are, so they obviously have not mentored me very much, she says. As Genevieve cared for Paris, so too do the godparents help their godchild attain what is good and avoid what is evil. You may stay in contact forever. Rejoice knowing that you were selected because of your personality, beliefs, Take seriously the things of God. Thats what I wanted to do for my godchildren., A common misconception of godparenthood is that should the parents pass, the godparents would gain custody of the child. Godparents are often chosen for their relationship with the Lord and their relationship to the parents of the newborn child. Deluxe Confirmation Bible The rite is considered a sacrament of initiation and salvation, and for centuries, Christians believed that those not baptized would not go to heaven. The Catholic Beginners Guide to Being A Godparent. Repeat this practice each year. I wish they'd got me a book instead.'. Think of a godparent in two distinct situations. At the baptism youll commit the child to God and the Catholic faith. You could be one of many godparents for one child. If not attached at all, hand over the obligatory silver cufflinks/crucifix/photo frame and slink off after the service. Whether to follow such a tradition is at the parents discretion. I told them Im not super religious; I dont attend church every Sunday., Kaeley, a registered nurse who lives in Philadelphia, had completed eight years of catechism beginning in first grade and received the sacraments of baptism, communion, and confirmation. As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. WebGodparents play a special role in the life of the child. memories of your babys baptism live on is often the best gift you can give. I was an Asian girl raised in the South, where everyone pretty much practiced Christianity, Le says. Her pleadings were heard by heaven, and Attila and his hordes left Paris unharmed. As such, all the children may be placed together with one godparent or none at all. Choosing a godparent is not an easy task, but it is one of consequence. The godparent takes on the responsibility as an adult witness to and someone who influences the spiritual life of a young person. 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