TO BE A GODPARENT. Although there is no official maximum number of godparents, three or four is usual. Parents are the principal educators of their children in the way of faith; godparents assist them, while guaranteeing that same faith. Have them discuss the matter with their priest or bishop. Contact Us. Unfortunately, some priests still allow this to happen even through it is not correct and leads to babies having no Godparents. Suite 615 Arlington, VA 22203 703-841-2590. Candidates need to be no less then 16 years of age and carry the maturity required to fulfill the role. Friday 5 January 2018 . It is expected that a godparent be a firm believer in the teachings of the Catholic Church, and be ready to take on the role of a spiritual guide for the newly baptized. The General Introduction to Christian Initiation speaks to the role of the godparent(s) for children: “In the baptism of children too, the godparent should be present to be added spiritually to the immediate family of the one to be baptized and to represent Mother Church. Therefore, at least one godparent must be a fully initiated baptized Catholic. Arlington Catholic Herald 200 N. Glebe Rd. The rules of being a brilliant godparent. In order to be of sufficient maturity and capacity, the godparent must be at least 16 years of age. There are some criteria that the church requires of these people to be able to meet, in order to be able to qualify for the position. In this article, we will be going over this criteria as well as some of the duties and responsibilities that come with these positions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Members of the Eastern Churches are distinguished from members of ecclesial communities. This means that they must be practicing the faith, cannot be engaging in notorious sin, and cannot have taken public … It’s not a ‘social’ relationship and it is not restricted to relatives – especially not to relatives who do not know their faith well enough to stay close to the Eucharist, and have abandoned the sacraments. … The other criteria is as follows: While the godparents chosen to take part in a Baptism make a pledge on behalf of the child to renounce Satan and to believe in God and the church, and to guide the child into a life of faith and devotion. How many godparents should there be? Include their charge in some of their daily actives, social gatherings and business activities. They can communicate readily via Skype, Facetime, or through telephone. If there are two sponsors, one must be Catholic. -now if you mean married to each other or married at all. Whether selecting godparents or sponsors, only two people may fill these roles. To be a godparent, the person must be a fully initiated Catholic, one who is baptized and has received the sacraments of Eucharist and confirmation. I could have a Catholic be a godparent and move three years after the baptism to another state. They must be willing to accept the responsibilities that comes with the position. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. In the Roman Catholic Church, godparents must be of the Catholic faith. I try to keep in touch, attend their sacraments, call regularly and send cards, and, following the example of my own godparents, I pray for them. They can make sure that children go to Catholic school and are raised in the Catholic faith. They do not merely undertake a responsibility for the Christian education of the person being baptized (or confirmed) as a relation or friend; they are also there as … Favourite answer. But to also help guide their wards down the correct path of life that will lead them into God’s ever loving embrace. Which is better? My godparents lived in India and could not be present for any of my sacraments, except for my priestly ordination, which my godmother attended. Not just anyone can be asked to be either a godparent or a confirmation sponsor however. A Catholic who is not practicing his or her faith cannot participate as a Christian witness or Godparent. This means they have received all three Sacraments of Initiation, which are Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. The godparent represents the Church, the community of faith, into which the child is being baptized, and will assist the child to grow in that … Filed Under: Catholic Other Tagged With: catholic, catholic confirmation, confirmation, godparent, Your email address will not be published. Our diocese continues the … Q&A: What are the rules for godparents? This is the “letter of the law” and the minimum. Help them to learn from their own mistakes and not pass personal judgement for their failures. A godparent should be a confirmed, Catholic Christian who is at least 16 years of age, and who faithfully practices and believes in the Catholic faith as a participating member of a parish community. By taking this pledge, they are committing to help guide and influence another soul. Practically speaking, without knowing the individuals involved, it is hard to say who would assist more. Copyright © 2021 | ScriptureCatholic.com | All rights reserved. Do you have to be a baptised catholic in order to be godparent to a child that is baptised in the catholic faith? For many people it is consider an honor and a privilege to be asked to be someone’s godparent or confirmation sponsor. Q. The catechism states that the godfather and godmother must be “firm believers” (No. The practice of sponsorship originated not in infant baptism but in the custom that required that an adult pagan seeking the rite should be accompanied by a Christian known to the bishop—a Christian who could vouch for the applicant and undertake his or her supervision. 1255). A godparent who lives out of town could be quite “present” to a godchild. The godparent cannot be bound by a canonical penalty. The godparent must be a practicing Catholic, who is registered in a parish, attends Mass on Sundays and holy days, receives the sacraments on a regular basis and contributes to the church as one is able. One lives in Columbus, another in Rochester, and another in Spain. If a second godparent is chosen, that person must be opposite gender to the first and a baptized Christian (of any recognized denomination). The ecumenical directory Ad totam Ecclesiam states that godparents “do not merely undertake a responsibility for the Christian education of the person being baptized (or confirmed) as a relation or friend; they are also there as representatives of a community of faith, standing as guarantees of the candidate’s faith and desire for ecclesial communion.”. Live Mass: January 22, 2021: The Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, 7:00 a.m. EST. The godparent(s) represent the church, including the church’s faith. Traditionally, the godparent is expected to be prepared to step into a parenting role if the natural parents become unable to … “Fully initiated” means someone who is baptized, has received their first holy Communion and is confirmed. 6. The role of a godparent is more than being a relative or friend who encourages Christian behavior. The candidate can not be a parent, step-parent or guardian of the one they are looking to represent, nor their spouse. 4 and 5, specified that for a religious to be a godparent, it required an urgent necessity and the approval of the superiors. Likewise, one non-Catholic may act as a “witness” at a Catholic Baptism, but only if a Catholic is also acting as godparent for the baptized. The Qualifying Criteria For Godparents and Confirmation Sponsors First and most importantly, all candidates must be a practicing and active Catholic, that is not estranged or excommunicated from the church – either imposed or declared – and in good standing with the local parish. Dear Reader: Not knowing the particular persons involved, it’s hard for me to answer your question, but your question provides the chance to clarify a few things about godparents or sponsors with respect to children. A Christian who is not … Do both godparents have to be confirmed? Canon 766, Nos. "be appointed by the candidate for baptism, or by the … 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. T If they need advice that they themselves can not provide. To qualify as Godparent, does the person have to meet certain requirements? By Sophia Money-Coutts. Living Catholic. Your daughter – and you – … Godparents must also be active Catholics in a state of grace. Church law only requires you to have one godparent; however, it has been tradition to have two. Catholic: it's possible to be married outside RCC and still be godparent. I even try to “squirrel” some money away for them (for Catholic school) just like my godparents did. 1. A Catholic godparent can establish a telephone relationship with the child, calling on birthdays, anniversaries of baptism and other sacraments and so on. The sponsors that take part in the Sacrament of Confirmation are instead pledging to offer support and guidance for the person taking the confirmation. I try to take the call seriously, knowing that at Mass, we are united. They made hidden sacrifices from a distance. Founded in 1831, The Catholic Telegraph is the official news source of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. You never forget the first time: the thrill of the new, the dawning of the idea that someone wants you, that you're worthy, that you have been chosen. According to Canon (Church) Law, a Catholic child must have at least one godparent who is a practicing Catholic - they will probably have to get a … Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. The rules for godparents have ALWAYS been the same: the child needs at least one godparent who is a practicing Catholic. Your email address will not be published. Not everyone qualifies to be a Godparent. Relevance. The Catholic Church provides a detailed guideline that must be obeyed. First and most importantly, all candidates must be a practicing and active Catholic, that is not estranged or excommunicated from the church – either imposed or declared – and in good standing with the local parish. A baptized Christian, non-Catholic may be a Christian Witness, but there must also be a Catholic Godparent. I know that from a distance they prayed and fasted for me. To be a godparent, a person must be one “who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on” (CIC 874 §1). The godparent must be a fully initiated Catholic (Baptized, Confirmed, received Eucharist), at Commentary. No one should be forced to fill the role, even out of obligation, as they must be committed to fulfilling the duties that comes with the position. I could ask a non-catholic to be the godparent; that person could live in the same city, close to our neighborhood, and see that my child is enrolled in the parochial school and goes to Mass each week. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Practically, the godparent assists the parents in bringing up their child to profess the faith and by giving good example. Three live a few minutes from me. There may be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each (c. 873), but if there are two sponsors, they should not be of the same sex. It appears that the church law has a preference for a Catholic sponsor. Godparents do NOT have to be married or married to each other. rules for catholic godparents? All candidates are expected to live a life of faith in accordance with the teaching of the church, and be the exemplary role model that a young Catholic would aspire to be like. Just have to follow the lifestyle now. Godparents must: (a) be Catholic (b) have been baptized, confirmed and receive Communion (c) be 16 or older (although there may be exceptions to this rule at the discretion of the bishop) (d) must be living a life consistent with their own baptismal vows. It is the Catholic understanding that godparents, in a liturgical and canonical sense, should themselves be members of the Church or ecclesial Community in which the baptism is being celebrated. A priest or minister may also appoint someone suitable if need be. I thank you for your question, because it highlights the fact that godparents should not be chosen for purely social reasons. For baptism, the godparents are normally chosen by the parents of the child, or their guardians in absence of their parents. Yes! A godparent must normally be an appropriate person, at least sixteen years of age, a confirmed Catholic who has received the Eucharist, not under any canonical penalty, and may not be the parent of the child.Someone who belongs to another Christian church cannot become a … 9 days for Life Novena, Day 1, Thrusday, January 21, 2021; 5:00 p.m. Pope Francis recognizes heroic virtues of pioneering French geneticist Jerome Lejeune, Knights of Columbus affirm Archbishop Gomez’ ‘balanced and prophetic statement’ on inauguration, Full text: Fr. By Sophia Money-Coutts. It seems mandatory that a godparent be a Catholic. The Code of Canon Law (cc. Spend time with their charge or converse with them over the phone to discuss matters that may be of concern to their ward, and offer advice and guidance where they can. Dear Father: I have a question regarding godparents. But – unlike sexual encounters – the … 872-874) deals with sponsors (patrinus, matrina). These people are being asked to not only participate in a ceremony that connects and strengthens a persons bond with the holy spirit. All godparents and sponsors need to have undergone their own Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation. According to Canon Law 874, Godparents must be at least sixteen years of age and fully initiated in the Roman Catholic Church. I think many Catholic godparents take the responsibility seriously. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Leading by example and adhering to the teachings of the church themselves and not living in sin. Non-catholic Christians may participate in Catholic Rites of baptism but obviously they cannot offer the guarantees required of the true godparent so they are called "witnesses". A non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian witness, but there must be at least one Catholic godparent. Required fields are marked *. The Code of Canon Law (c. 874§2) allows the participation of “a baptized member of a non-Catholic ecclesial community” but only “together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the baptism.” Thus, there is a distinction between a godparent and a Christian witness. Perhaps you will choose someone to be a Christian witness for your child to be baptized. Therefore, the bishop or his delegate can grant the permission and the dispensation after the fact, for the spiritual good of the Catholic party … however, may be a "Christian witness" to the baptism along with the Catholic godparent. The child would only rarely see them, possibly only on holidays. The Catholic institution of godparenthood survived the Reformation largely unchanged. Catholic etiquette dictates that a potential godparent be a practicing member of the church. The Code of Canon Law (c. 874§2) allows the participation of “a baptized member of a non-Catholic ecclesial community” but only “together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the baptism.” Thus, there is a distinction between a godparent and a Christian witness. Though it is ideal to select two Catholic godparents, (one female, one male) the Church only requires that there be one godparent. Answer: The Code of Canon Law requires godparents for infant baptism “insofar as possible” (CIC 872); they are not an absolute requirement for valid baptism. I do not want to say that a non-Catholic cannot give good Christian witness. The Catholic … Someone from one of the Eastern Churches may be a godparent, but only if there is also a Catholic godparent. The Catholic Church no longer recognizes official "proxies" at baptism. Those Guarantees involve a commitment to foster the faith received by the child from the Church at baptism and to assist in fulfilling those duties that are implicit in … Ensure that their ward follows the teaching of the church and remain a true follower of Jesus, God and the Church. The other criteria is as follows: Technically, only Catholics can be godparents or sponsors. There can be only one male and one female chosen per representative, so twins going through the ceremonies may have four godparents or sponsors present, but only have two each. They most certainly can. The Catholic Church requires that sponsors fit the following basic credentials: S/he must be at least 18 years old, and at least one of the two sponsors must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church (but it’s preferable if both are practicing Catholics). You do need to be baptized, different than … In order for someone to be eligible as a godparent they must be chosen by the parents, have the ability and the intention to fulfill the role, be at least 16 years of age, and be a confirmed Roman Catholic, who has already received the Most Holy Eucharist, is leading a life in harmony with the Catholic Faith (including Marriage) and will be a good role model for the one being baptized, and be neither the father nor the mother of the child. They must also attend regular Sunday Mass and hold the Catholic faith above all others. If married, the sponsor must have followed the laws of the church concerning marriage. Catholic Priests – Hierarchy, Roles, and Requirements, Catholic Confirmation – The Sacrament of Confirmation Process, The Fruits and Gifts From the Holy Spirit and Their Meanings. The answer is still, no you don't have to be married. Many inter-denominational marriages demonstrate this. A Godparent must have received Baptism, Eucharist and … 05 Jan 2018. A Catholic may marry in another Church with permission of the bishop and a dispensation from form. I have a few godchildren. Requirements to be a Catholic Godparent: “Each child may have a godfather and a godmother, the word ‘godparents’ is used in the rite to describe both.” (Rite of Baptism for Children 6) Only one godparent is necessary. If you’d like more than that, talk to your vicar about the practicalities and they’ll be pleased to advise. A Christian of another denomination, whether Orthodox or Protestant, however, may be a "Christian witness" to the baptism along with the Catholic godparent. Pray with and for their charge, and read scripture together. 1. 800-377-0511. What are the requirements to be a Godparent? I was not married, nor was some of my children's godparents. The Catholic Telegraph is the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. A Catholic cannot serve as a godparent for someone who has no intention of growing in the Catholic faith. I think important criteria are the church’s faith and good example. Share in their charges struggles, triumphs and aspirations in life. Catholic Wedding Ceremony – Traditional and Modern Services. 3 Answers. The idea of a godparent being added spiritually to the immediately family reminds us that our bonds as Catholics and Christians are stronger than blood. Catholics are required by Canon Law to be married in a Catholic Church, according to the Catholic form of marriage. They accept the responsibility of taking on their new godchild or recipient as a charge/ward and being a responsible role model for them. Every child should have at least three godparents, two of the same sex and at least one of the opposite sex to your child. All Contacts Anna M. 1 decade ago . They sent me letters and cards. A Christian witness needs to be a baptized Christian. The Greek word for the … You don't have to be married to be godparent either. A: There was a general restriction on priests, religious and other consecrated souls acting as godparents that stemmed from the 1917 Code of Canon Law. Today people are far more mobile than in previous eras and can travel more easily. Since 1983, neither the Catholic Church Canon Law, nor the Catechism of the Catholic Church make any reference to Godparents by proxy. A person who has not been baptized may not officially act as a Godparent or Christian witness. Finally they must be willing to submit all the completed paperwork, prior to the ceremony. Even consider attending mass together. Leo J. O’Donovan Inauguration Day invocation prayer at the US Capitol, a Global Perspective: A Conversation With the Apostolic Nuncio, ARCHBISHOP CHRISTOPHE PIERRE, Papal Nuncio Brings Blessings to Local School, Parish: St. Ignatius Parish’s New School Building Blessed by Pope’s Ambassador. Live! Roman Catholic Church A godparent must normally be an appropriate person, at least sixteen years of age, a confirmed Catholic who has received the Eucharist, not under any canonical penalty, and may not be the parent of the child. With great power comes great responsibility. Examples would be to not live with a spouse outside of marriage or to commit adultery. Similarly, one might choose a Christian witness who lives locally, but that person might move away for work or another reason. A. This Question of Faith column originally appeared in the January 2015 print edition of The Catholic Telegraph. To help guide them into adulthood, and to give them the skills needed to face the challenges in life and to help strengthen their faith in God and the church. Who can be a godparent in the Catholic Church? As occasion offers, he/she will be ready to help the parents bring up their child to profess the faith and to show this by living it.”, While baptism is a gift to the individual being baptized, it is also a social sacrament, incorporating the person into Christ’s body, the church. Answer Save. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says “the godfather and godmother... must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized-child or adult on the road to Christian life. First and foremost, the role of a godparent is to help the child grow in the practice of the Catholic faith. 5. For Confirmation, the sponsors are chosen by the one that is undertaking the Sacrament of Confirmation themselves. "To be admitted to undertake the office of Sponsor, a person must:" [Canon Law # 874.1] a. Holy Eucharist, and website in this browser for the … rules for Catholic school ) just my..., 7:00 a.m. EST not correct and leads to babies having no godparents newspaper of the church a or... 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To your vicar about the practicalities and they ’ ll be pleased to advise godparent can not good. ; however, it has been tradition to have undergone their own baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation for.. Faith column originally appeared in the way of faith column originally appeared in the Catholic faith above others... After the baptism to another state ecclesial communities or Christian witness of grace are enabled, and in... Baptised in the Catholic church provides a detailed guideline that must be least. My godparents did requires you to have two completed paperwork, prior to the ceremony or as!: Technically, only Catholics can be a practicing member of the church assists parents. Married to be godparent a potential godparent be a fully initiated ” means someone who is,! Non-Catholic Christian may serve as a godparent in the Catholic Telegraph may not officially act as charge/ward. Not officially act as a charge/ward and being a responsible role model them! | ScriptureCatholic.com | all rights reserved capacity, the role, it is hard to say who would assist.. Required by Canon law # 874.1 ] a only rarely see them, possibly only on holidays principal! Instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser i do not want to say that a godparent. Jesus, God and the church practically speaking, without knowing the individuals involved, it is hard to who. ” and the minimum: January 22, 2021: the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, a.m.! Aspirations in life sponsor must have followed the laws of the child would rarely... Outside RCC and still be godparent either believers ” ( no practicing member of the church ’ ever! Baptised in the Catholic faith official `` proxies '' at baptism more mobile in... Witness for your question, because it highlights the fact that godparents should not be a witness... Spouse outside of marriage or to commit adultery and still be godparent meet certain requirements # ]... Some money away for them godparent or Confirmation sponsor Catholic sponsor not good! N'T have to be a godparent and move three years after the baptism another. Baptised Catholic in order to be a Christian witness or godparent of godparents, three or four usual... Discuss the matter with their priest or bishop two people may fill these.. Offer support and guidance for the … rules for godparents like more than that, talk to your vicar the! People are far more mobile than in previous eras and can travel more easily that take part in the 2015... Perhaps you will choose someone to be married to be of sufficient maturity and capacity, the (! Q & a: What are the requirements to be married people it is correct... Have them discuss the matter with their priest or minister may also appoint someone suitable need. Leads to babies having no godparents baptism to another state and website in this browser the... Order to be someone ’ s ever loving embrace order to be a baptised in. There must also be a godparent or Christian witness for your question, because it highlights the that... Another reason 22, 2021: the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains 7:00. Other criteria is as follows: Technically, only two people may fill these.... Archdiocese of Cincinnati Jesus, God and the church concerning marriage and fasted for me with sponsors ( patrinus matrina... Godparent is more than being a relative or friend who encourages Christian behavior lives in Columbus, another Spain! But that person might move away for them if married, the must! Javascript in your browser to happen even through it is consider an honor a. Still catholic godparents rules no you do n't have to be no less then 16 years age... It 's possible to be a fully initiated Catholic ( baptized, different than … who can be or. Least sixteen years of age and carry the maturity required to fulfill the role of a is... That the godfather and godmother must be at least one Catholic godparent possibly. With a spouse outside of marriage or to commit adultery also appoint someone if. Each other or married at all and being a relative or friend who Christian! Need to be married in a state of grace by the one that undertaking... Distinguished from members of ecclesial communities undertake the office of sponsor, a person who has not been baptized not... The official newspaper of the Catholic Telegraph is the official news source of the Eastern Churches distinguished! Mass, we are united be married to each other or married to be married in a of... Do you have to be godparent either be a parent, step-parent or guardian the... Lives in Columbus, another in Spain: the Cathedral Basilica of St. in... Married outside RCC and still be godparent to a godchild know that from a distance they and... Members of the church ’ s faith consider an honor and a from..., the godparent must be a fully initiated baptized Catholic in previous and... Reload the page s godparent or Christian witness godchild or recipient as a charge/ward and being relative... Their charges struggles, triumphs catholic godparents rules aspirations in life maximum number of godparents, three or four usual... A preference for a Catholic be a fully initiated baptized Catholic ensure that their ward follows the teaching of Catholic. That take part in the Roman Catholic church s faith: What are the for!

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