There are no mentions of legal godparents in the Bible, however there are examples of those who stepped up into a role as a spiritual mentor in lieu of a parent, very much like a godparent. Roles of a godparent fundamentally require helping the child in their spiritual journey, but it does not stop there. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”. Helping the young man or woman make godly and wise decisions in their own path, and knowing that their godparent supports them fully is a great gift. Recall that until the year 313, the Church was under the persecution of the Roman Empire and had to be cautious in conducting its affairs so as to prevent pagan infiltration and persecution. This item 1465 digitally provided courtesy of CatholicCulture.org. Their role is to read the Profession of Faith on behalf of an infant and help lead the child's faith throughout their life. The reason for this distinction and restriction is that the godparent not only is taking responsibility for the religious education and spiritual formation of the baptized person, but also is representing the Church, the community of faith, into which the person is being baptized. This is a commitment that they enter into at the time of the child’s baptism. As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. There is no legal commitment here and the godparent is not the legal guardian of the child. 873). Nowadays, the Church of England asks that there should be two Godparents of the same sex as the child, plus one of the opposite sex, though exceptions may be made. Never discount the blessing and impact a day of ice cream and mini-golf can have on a child. Esther 2:7 explains, “Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. Article Images Copyright ©. Godparents are involved in many aspects of the child’s life ­– for their entire life. As a Christian and now as a godparent, allow the liturgy of baptism to speak directly to you, not just about your new role but also as fellow traveler along the road of faith. Monkey see, monkey do is a common expression that carries great truth. Developing a relationship from a young age is important so that the child knows the godparent is there for them. Recall that until the year 313, the Church was under the persecution of the Technically, only Catholics can be godparents or sponsors. How strictly should the potential godparents adhere to traditional Catholic teaching? Above all, a godparent serves a special role for the one to be baptized. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.”. The role of a godparent doesn't end with the ceremony. Fr. Not all Protestant Churches believe in infant baptism, but generally through baptism or child dedication a newborn will be brought forward in the church for a blessing and commitment before God to raise the child in a Christian home. Godparents and Witnesses. We are told in Luke 1:39, “At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. Many times, the godparents will also be the chosen guardians of a child should something occur (such as the death of both parents) but in modern times this is less common. As a pastor, I am truly perturbed each time someone comes by the rectory office and wants me to sign a sponsor's certificate and attest that he is a practicing Catholic when I do not recognize him, he has not registered in the parish and he does not attend Mass faithfully. Above all else, loving the child through the love of the Holy Spirit is the role and responsibility of a godparent. It also clarifies who may act as godparent. Most people I’ve spoken with have shared that their Godparents had a significant impact on their spiritual growth and interior life. A Christian who is not Catholic, although perhaps a very holy, Christian, cannot fully attest to the beliefs of the Catholic Church. Have they handled trials and stormy seasons in a godly manner? It basically means the adult who sponsors the child’s baptism. A godparent’s role in a child’s life is to guide the child down the path of faith, just as our ancestors and the Church taught us in the past. Ideally, this sponsor at baptism should also be the sponsor for confirmation. A godparent might help parents raise a child in the Christian faith to provide spiritual guidance and support to the child. About the year 800 when infant baptism was truly the norm, these sponsors were called patrinus," or "godfather." 3 Baptism Currently, Godparents are generally chosen in preparation for a child's baptism into the Episcopal Church; therefore, Godparents are present at the baptism and take special vows regarding … The role of a godparent is more than being a relative or friend who encourages Christian behavior. Code of Canon Law, No. The parents and godparents must keep the flame burning, literally and figuratively. The role of the godparent for baptism is rooted in the role of the sponsor in the catechumenate, which originated in the early Church. The godparent, as official representative of the community, is called to participate in the child’s spiritual development in a particular way. Typically, a mother will choose the godmother and the father will choose the godfather, but that is not a set-in stone rule. Catechism, no. Come alongside the child to let them see and know you desire to be present and active in their lives. This article explains the role of godparents in Catholic baptism. Just Say Yes - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - February 8, The Von Trapp Great-Grandchildren Sing 'Edelweiss', 10 Things Selfish People Always Do in Relationships, 10 Things We Got Right in 50 Years of Marriage, Heart-Warming Valentine's Day Prayers for Everyone, A Prayer for the Lonely on Valentine's Day, 4 Spiritual Secrets My Toddler Grandchildren Taught Me, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright © 2021, Crosswalk.com. At an infant baptism, the role of the godparent doesn’t end, it begins. What is the role of a godparent and who can be one? Lastly, would you trust your child to learn and grow from their influence? — A reader in Fredericksburg, The role of the godparent for baptism is rooted in the role of the sponsor in the catechumenate, which originated in the early Church. It is not simply a sweet, nice thing to be part of, but an obligation. She is Mexican and I heard that there are certain traditions where the godparents buy certain things for the baptism? . 44.1 During the Sacrament of Baptism, the godparent acted as a witness to the Baptism of the child. In the Reformed tradition that includes the Continental Reformed, Congregationalist and Presbyterian Churches, the godparents are more often referred to as sponsors, who have the role of standing with the child during infant baptism and pledging to instruct the child in the faith. As a godparent being intentional is an important aspect to tending the garden of relationship with your godchild. As a godparent, you serve a different but important role in helping to teach the child the way in which they should go. Traditionally a godparent will take part in a baptism or baby dedication for the infant, and make a vow to assume a role in the spiritual development of that child. A Catholic who does not practice the faith by regularly attending Mass or who is in an invalid marriage disqualifies himself from being a godparent. The child you walk with will learn of the victory of the cross, a hunger for the Most Holy Eucharist, seek forgiveness in Reconciliation, grow in a love for Christ and his Church, and in many other ways God’s love gives us life. The role developed into more of an honorary one, where the godparent is expected to stay connected and involved with their godchild throughout their life. You have been chosen because you demonstrate a Christian moral and virtuous lifestyle. 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. It is crucial to ensure the person you choose will take on the role and not neglect it. Should Church records ever be destroyed by fire, the godparent is a witness to the fact that on a certain date and at a certain place, a certain child was baptized in the faith by a certain priest in the presence of his/her parents in accordance with the baptismal formula of the Catholic Church. Here we should pause to clarify who qualifies as a Catholic godparent. Check her out on Instagram and Twitter, @CallyLogan. In Catholic baptisms, godparents are typically called sponsors. The Role of Godparents FR. The sponsor must not only have the intention of being a sponsor but also meet proper qualifications. In Latin American culture, it is quite the opposite. The role of the sponsor then was to attest to the integrity of the person, oftentimes an adult, seeking admission into the Church as well as to assist him during the catechumenate in preparing for these sacraments and in living a Christian life. If a couple does not know sufficiently "qualified" godparents, is it acceptable for them to act as the godparents themselves? Choosing a godparent is not an easy task, but it is one of consequence. Good friends are also appropriate, but sometimes friendships wane, leaving the godchild without an active godparent. Paul S. Loverde, January 20, 2000, Please explain the role of godparents in Catholic baptism. This tradition was replaced by a tendency to view Godparents as guests of honor at a baptism; today, the Episcopal church seeks to give the role of Godparents more substantive content. 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Here the Code of Canon Law wants to eliminate the practice of having numerous sponsors, as has occurred in some cultures (No. Another example would be Elizabeth, the cousin of Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ. 10 April, 2018. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mary proceeds to sing a song of gratitude and joy from this great encouragement from her cousin. Elizabeth acted as a godmother in support, godly wisdom, and discerning in her own heart what the Holy Spirit was leaning on her heart. As a godparent, it is also a responsibility to be present as a mentor and person who desires to be present in a child’s life. Godparents are often chosen at a child’s baptism. It is also wise to consider how this person has lived their own life. The role of the godparent for baptism is rooted in the role of the sponsor in the catechumenate, which originated in the early Church. This comes down to even minding the words you speak. Often a child may feel more comfortable sharing about some aspects of their lives they would not share with their parents. The role of godparents is a high honor given to a man and a woman after the birth of a child. News, analysis & spirituality by email, twice-weekly from CatholicCulture.org. What Is a Godparent and What Role Do They Play Today? The godparent is the one that stands as the sponsor of the infant, by giving the prescribed denunciations of Satan and affirmations of accepting Christ, and who finally recites the Creed signifying the personal belief of the candidate to Baptism. Godparents often come alongside during such ceremonies or baptisms to affirm their commitment to the parents of the child, the child, and most of all to God Himself that they will seek to help the child grow up to know that they are loved, supported, cherished, and known by God. Praying for your godchild is important daily. If the baptized is an infant or child whose parents are not faithful to the Church, or if the baptized is an adult, the godparent must provide a primary role in the spiritual growth of his godchild. According to the Code of Canon Law, "Insofar as possible, one to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who is to assist an adult in Christian initiation, or, together with the parents, to present an infant at the baptism, and who will help the baptized to lead a Christian life in harmony with baptism, and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it" (No. Recall that until the year 313, the Church was under the persecution of the Roman Empire and had to be cautious in conducting its affairs so as to prevent pagan infiltration and persecution. In modern times the role of godparents remains the same in the root: to encourage a child up in the Lord. The best place is to look for relatives, even grandparents, who have a blood relationship with the godchild and have kept the faith over the years. When it comes to infant Baptism, godparents are to assist the child’s parents in raising their child in our Catholic faith, so that the child may profess and live it … My best friend has selected me and my boyfriend as godparents of her 9 month old baby girl. Or are they of complaining, hopelessness, or harshness. Have they sought to have a deeper relationship with the Lord, even in their own imperfections and flaws? Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Sharon Mccutcheon. Children watch how we live out our lives, and will see it as an example of how to carry out their own lives. At times, it may look like giving advice from a Christian perspective on big life decisions, at times romantic decisions, or at times developing relationship to live out life with that child. Since baptizing a child creates a spiritual relationship for the godparent between him and his godchild, as well as with the child's family, the Orthodox Church by a tradition expressed in the rubrics accepts only one godparent, the one who takes part in the catechesis … In other words, your role is to assist the parents in guiding their child to know God and to belong to his Church in the fullest way possible. Godparents means different things to different people. 3 Steps to Take When You’re at the End of Your Parenting Rope, 5 Pieces of Free Advice I'd Give to My Younger Self, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Note that the mother and father of the child cannot serve as sponsors. He must be a Catholic who has received the sacraments of holy Eucharist and confirmation, and "leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken." According to canon law, godparents represent the community of faith at the baptism. Godparents in many ways are like a second set of parents but in a different way. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. The role of godparent is much more than an honorary title. This is not to require perfection of the godparent, but is something to keep in mind when interacting with the child to provide an authentic, sincere, real, and honest way of living in what it looks like to follow Christ daily. Godparents are a beautiful role given by parents for the assistance in raising up their child to know, love, and serve God well. All rights reserved. Traditionally the role of godparents is to be the ‘sponsor’ at the baptism and to speak on the child’s behalf during the baptism service itself. But the truth is, being a godparent shouldn’t be limited to religious instruction. The Catechism of the Catholic Church points out: For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents\’ help is important. For infants, these sponsors would also make the Profession of Faith in the child's name and accept the responsibility of instructing the child in the faith, especially if the parents failed in this duty. During the baptismal ceremony, the godparent answers the question as to whether or not they understand it is their duty to assist in raising the child. To be a sponsor, a person must be chosen by the person to be baptized, or by the parents or guardians of a child, or, in their absence, by the pastor or minister of the sacrament. 872). The role of the godparent for baptism is rooted in the role of the sponsor in the catechumenate, which originated in the early Church. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Kay Fochtmann EyeEm. 874.1). When Mary is told she has been chosen by God to carry the Savior she is suddenly faced with a holy and spiritual call that no one had ever faced before, nor will anyone face again in a virgin conception. A godparent is often an honorary title in Anglo-American culture, their main responsibility being participation in the baptism ceremony. That's a hard question. He has to be the supportive pillar for the child and must show keenness and interest in the upbringing of the child. The godparent must foster the virtues within himself and provide an example of prayer. But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Today, godparents do not have any legal responsibility. As spiritual advisors, godparents also have a special role during weddings. The Lord knows what is going on in their lives, what they will face and what they will learn that day. Asking the Lord who His choice of godparent for your new little blessing is, or asking Him to make it apparent to your own heart who will take on the role well. Pray protection over the child, pray that the child does not fall into harm, and pray that the Lord blesses the child that day. Let the Lord press in your heart and be open to what He may inspire you to intentionally connect with your godchild. If they feel accepted and wanted they will feel more inclined to grow closer with someone. Also, until the Middle Ages, the Sacraments of Initiation — baptism, holy Eucharist, and confirmation — were administered at once. Traditionally, they offer their blessings of the nuptials and stand as witnesses to the marriage covenant. This can be lived out in many different ways. The role of the godparent for baptism is rooted in the role of the sponsor in the catechumenate, which originated in the early Church. In all, godparents serve a special role in the life of the baptized person. One example would be Mordecai in the book of Esther. When she is chosen to become Queen by King Xerxes, she is suddenly faced with huge decisions concerning her people. Most Rev. Their commitment to this role is fundamental. God often provides mentors or godparents even when a child does not have one, but being purposeful in choosing noble and trustworthy godparents is a great gift that can be given to a child. Because Baptism is the sacrament that unites all Christians (cf. Baptism, of course, was a Jewish custom, but there is no record of Jesus having had Godparents when he was baptised in the River Jordan, and it is unclear when the practice started. Celebrating their achievements and being present throughout their lives is the fundamental role of a godparent. It is not something to be taken lightly, nor is it something burdensome. Recall that until the year 313, the Church was under the persecution of the Roman Empire and had to be cautious in conducting its affairs so as to prevent pagan infiltration and persecution. (Cf. A Christian of another denomination, whether Orthodox or Protestant, however, may be a "Christian witness" to the baptism along with the Catholic godparent. Today, the title of godparent has no legal standing. Many times, one Godparent will be chosen by the mother for her side of the family, or a close friend, and likewise one on the side of the father for a relative or close friend. Sadly, this task can be very difficult in today's world. Mordecai encourages her in her faith and in the courage of God to act. More often than not children can pick up on intentionality and sincerity with someone. WILLIAM SAUNDERS The role of the godparent for baptism is rooted in the role of the sponsor in the catechumenate, which originated in the early Church. Will I Still Be Married to My Spouse in Heaven? Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Although the specific naming term of godparent arose through Catholicism, it is not exclusive to the Catholic Church to become a godparent. Mordecai did not act only as a guardian to Esther in providing housing and food, but spiritually as a godfather to her. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! The Bible instructs us to, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Are your words of encouragement, faith in God, and of light? In case of an emergency baptism, such as imminent death, no sponsor is needed. Vatican II, Decree on Ecumenism, No. Recall that until the year 313, the Church was under the persecution of the Roman Empire and had to be cautious in conducting its affairs so … This can play out as attending a soccer game, or taking the child for an intentional day of spending time with them. A godparent serves God in developing a close-knit relationship with the child, encouraging through a Christian light whenever possible. The role of the godparent for baptism is rooted in the role of the sponsor in the catechumenate, which originated in the early Church. If a person is not striving to fulfill his own obligations of baptism and confirmation, he will not fulfill the responsibilities of helping another to do so. Traditionally a godparent will take part in a baptism or baby dedication for the infant, and make a vow to assume a role in the spiritual development of that child. This can be as simple as remembering things they tell you from school, it can look like attending baseball games or school plays, or it can be larger in encouraging a Bible study with the child or bringing them to a Christian event such as a concert or prayer night. It is widely practiced and honored in many Protestant branches of the church. Choosing a godparent is not choosing a favorite friend or relative, rather it is choosing someone to play a role in your child’s life. Also, in the case of an emergency, such as imminent death, no sponsor is needed. Moreover, the sponsor cannot be impeded by some canonical penalty. Though it is ideal to select two Catholic godparents, (one female, one male) the Church only requires that there be one godparent. The godparent name is entered into the parish record book as the “official” godparent or sponsor for baptism. It is very important not to let the choosing of godparents be a passive or quick decision. The sponsor must have completed his sixteenth year unless the Bishop has established another age for sponsorship, or the pastor or minister judges that a just cause warrants an exception to the rule. In her free time, she enjoys leading a high school girls’ small group, cooking, and spending time in tree houses. Are they honest, trustworthy, and do they have an intentional heart for children? Also pray that the Lord will guide and direct you in how to pray for and be there for the child that day. In justice, I cannot meet such a request. For this specific ceremony, godparents must meet a few requirements: Has to be older than 16 Much of a child’s perspective of Christianity will come from how they see other Christians living, this includes godparents. has the attitude "I am a Catholic but...," and would not be a good example and witness to the faith also disqualifies himself.