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Recall that until the year 313, the Church was under the persecution of the Ideally, this sponsor at baptism should also be the sponsor for confirmation. Together a mother and father should choose the godparents that are best for their child, not ones out of pressure or convenience. 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 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. The role of the godparent for baptism is rooted in the role of the sponsor in the catechumenate, which originated in the early Church. 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. This is a commitment that they enter into at the time of the child’s baptism. Godparents in many ways are like a second set of parents but in a different way. That's a hard question. Good friends are also appropriate, but sometimes friendships wane, leaving the godchild without an active godparent. Moreover, if a person is Catholic but antagonistic to the faith, i.e. 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." 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. 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. But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? This item 1465 digitally provided courtesy of CatholicCulture.org. Prayer is the first step to this. 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. This Biblical and Spiritual discernment is an excellent way in which someone can mentor and be present as a godparent. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.”. — 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. Though it is ideal to select two Catholic godparents, (one female, one male) the Church only requires that there be one godparent. Choosing a godparent is not an easy task, but it is one of consequence. This comes down to even minding the words you speak. Godparents are involved in many aspects of the child’s life ­– for their entire life. Check her out on Instagram and Twitter, @CallyLogan. What if someone would like to have a faithful Protestant friend as a sponsor? Legal guardians assume the role of the parent if the child’s parents were to pass away. You have been chosen because you demonstrate a Christian moral and virtuous lifestyle. We are both protestants, but she is catholic and the father of her baby is christian, but not really religious. My best friend has selected me and my boyfriend as godparents of her 9 month old baby girl. Therefore, each parent should choose a godparent not just because of a blood relationship or friendship; rather, a godparent should be a trustworthy witness of the faith who will help the godchild attain salvation. Strictly speaking, a person only needs one sponsor for baptism — male or female, but may have two sponsors, one male and one female. 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. 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. It is crucial to ensure the person you choose will take on the role and not neglect it. In modern times the role of godparents remains the same in the root: to encourage a child up in the Lord. Typically, a mother will choose the godmother and the father will choose the godfather, but that is not a set-in stone rule. 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. Let the Lord press in your heart and be open to what He may inspire you to intentionally connect with your godchild. Their commitment to this role is fundamental. The role of a godparent doesn't end with the ceremony. Developing a relationship from a young age is important so that the child knows the godparent is there for them. Another example would be Elizabeth, the cousin of Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ. 1271), and because the Church recognizes the importance of family relationships and close friendships, a Catholic may serve as a “witness” for a non-Catholic in Baptism, but not as a godparent. It is also wise to consider how this person has lived their own life. 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. Often a child may feel more comfortable sharing about some aspects of their lives they would not share with their parents. 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. 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. Esther 2:7 explains, “Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. 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. Parents need to find good practicing Catholics for godparents. 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. Article Images Copyright ©. Praying for your godchild is important daily. Have they sought to have a deeper relationship with the Lord, even in their own imperfections and flaws? 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. Most Rev. 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. She is Mexican and I heard that there are certain traditions where the godparents buy certain things for the baptism? 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. 57). Roles of a godparent fundamentally require helping the child in their spiritual journey, but it does not stop there. 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. 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. Here the Code of Canon Law wants to eliminate the practice of having numerous sponsors, as has occurred in some cultures (No. Essentially, Godparents play a vital role in the life of a Baptized person, whether infant or adult. Are your words of encouragement, faith in God, and of light? 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. Will I still be able to be godmother? Never discount the blessing and impact a day of ice cream and mini-golf can have on a child. It is not simply a sweet, nice thing to be part of, but an obligation. Also pray that the Lord will guide and direct you in how to pray for and be there for the child that day. About the year 800 when infant baptism was truly the norm, these sponsors were called patrinus," or "godfather." 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. This statement clearly reflects the historical roots of the role of sponsor. The role of the godparent for baptism is rooted in the role of the sponsor in the catechumenate, which originated in the early Church. At an infant baptism, the role of the godparent doesn’t end, it begins. The sponsor must not only have the intention of being a sponsor but also meet proper qualifications. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 873). Baptismal sponsors were necessary on both a practical and spiritual level. Saunders is dean of the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College and pastor of Queen of Apostles Parish, both in Alexandria. 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. A godparent might help parents raise a child in the Christian faith to provide spiritual guidance and support to the child. In her free time, she enjoys leading a high school girls’ small group, cooking, and spending time in tree houses. It is very important not to let the choosing of godparents be a passive or quick decision. 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 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. Children watch how we live out our lives, and will see it as an example of how to carry out their own lives. Recall … 44.1 During the Sacrament of Baptism, the godparent acted as a witness to the Baptism of the child. Much of a child’s perspective of Christianity will come from how they see other Christians living, this includes godparents. 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 … A godparent is often an honorary title in Anglo-American culture, their main responsibility being participation in the baptism ceremony. In all, godparents serve a special role in the life of the baptized person. Most people I’ve spoken with have shared that their Godparents had a significant impact on their spiritual growth and interior life. If they feel accepted and wanted they will feel more inclined to grow closer with someone. 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. 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 Catholic baptisms, godparents are typically called sponsors. 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. 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. As spiritual advisors, godparents also have a special role during weddings. He has to be the supportive pillar for the child and must show keenness and interest in the upbringing of the child. The godparent, as official representative of the community, is called to participate in the child’s spiritual development in a particular way. Catechism, no. It basically means the adult who sponsors the child’s baptism. The Role of Godparents FR. Christian Parenting and Family Resources with Biblical Principles, Amazing Children's Choir Sings 'I Can Only Imagine', One-Sentence Summaries of Every Old Testament Book, 20 Reasons Marriages Fail (Christian Marriages, Too), Love Your Neighbor as Yourself - Crosswalk the Devotional - February 9. 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. The role of a godparent is more than being a relative or friend who encourages Christian behavior. As a godparent, you serve a different but important role in helping to teach the child the way in which they should go. 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. As a godparent being intentional is an important aspect to tending the garden of relationship with your godchild. But the truth is, being a godparent shouldn’t be limited to religious instruction. 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). (Cf. Have they handled trials and stormy seasons in a godly manner? All rights reserved. A Christian who is not Catholic, although perhaps a very holy, Christian, cannot fully attest to the beliefs of the Catholic Church. 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. The greatest help a godparent provides is an example of faith. 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 … Pray protection over the child, pray that the child does not fall into harm, and pray that the Lord blesses the child that day. 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. Likewise, a Catholic can only be a Christian witness for someone who is baptized into another Christian denomination.

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