Remember – a Godparent is not just a good or faith filled person. Canon 874.1 follows from the Church’s theological understanding of godparents as a matter of course. Dependent on his or her Christian education, the candidate’s instruction may be less than the catechumen’s. In the early years of the Church, it was not easy to become a Christian. Mordecai did not act only as a guardian to Esther in providing housing and food, but spiritually as a godfather to her. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Christians were cautious and worshipped covertly. Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Sharon Mccutcheon. 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 … As a godparent being intentional is an important aspect to tending the garden of relationship with your godchild. All rights reserved. Godparents can – should, even must – pray for a child daily. Pray protection over the child, pray that the child does not fall into harm, and pray that the Lord blesses the child that day. Several Church fathers have verified the three-year timeframe, including St. Hippolytus: “Let the catechumen be three years hearing the word; but if a man is zealous and perseveres well in the word, it is not time but his character that is decisive.” Throughout the period of instruction the sponsor accompanied the inquirer and offered guidance, direction and, ideally, a model for living the teachings of Christ. During these ceremonies, the sponsor often stands behind the catechumen, placing his or her right hand on the catechumen’s right shoulder, symbolizing continuing support, confidence and encouragement. 483). Christian Parenting and Family Resources with Biblical Principles. Lastly, would you trust your child to learn and grow from their influence? These Christians had only one God and refused to worship the emperor, burn incense before a Roman idol or participate in pagan activities. 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. Did you enjoy this article? The Catholic Baptism ceremony for infants is the very picture of innocence and beauty. Even after Paul’s conversion they worried about him: “When he arrived in Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple” (Acts 9:26). Parents and godparents are present at the Baptism ceremony and promise to take on the responsibility of forming the child in the ways of the Catholic faith. The Role of Godparents This article explains the role of godparents in Catholic baptism. In modern times the role of godparents remains the same in the root: to encourage a child up in the Lord. By them the person renounces Satan and all his works and pomps; that is, sin and all occasions. Choosing a godparent is not an easy task, but it is one of consequence. Being a sponsor is a special way to demonstrate that faithfulness, a way to evangelize to the person who has come forward seeking Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. Or are they of complaining, hopelessness, or harshness. But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Godparent requirements for Baptism. Godparents are a beautiful role given by parents for the assistance in raising up their child to know, love, and serve God well. Assuming the inquirer satisfied the Church leaders, that individual would become known as a catechumen (from a Greek word meaning “instruction”) and started three years of spiritual formation and instruction in Christianity. 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. What is the Godparents Role After the Baptism? There can be up to two godparents, a male and a female, for a single child. The Lord knows what is going on in their lives, what they will face and what they will learn that day. The child is a Godchild. By water and the Holy Spirit he (she) is to receive the gift of new life from God, who is love. For example, sponsors at a baptism, either for an adult or infant, are known as godparents. Canon 874 states that to serve as a godfather or a godmother, the following conditions must be met: To have been chosen and to have the aptitudes and the intention to serve in the function of godparent At Baptism you become a Christian and join the family of God in the Catholic Church. But remember that only one godparent is required. Have they handled trials and stormy seasons in a godly manner? According to the Vatican’s Code of Canon Law 874, godparents “help the baptized person to lead a Christian life.” As spiritual advisors, godparents also have a special role during weddings. While the severity of the persecution varied depending on the emperor, seeking out and joining a Christian community was risky. For the first four centuries, until the time of Emperor Constantine (r. 306-37), the Romans persecuted those choosing to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. 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. Thus the role of sponsors was essential. 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. 11). If the bishop was satisfied, then the person would become a chosen one for baptism. More often than not children can pick up on intentionality and sincerity with someone. First and foremost, they are to act as a source of prayer and example for the child being baptized. This is often a courageous act by the seeker, as some may be rejected by family and friends. Together a mother and father should choose the godparents that are best for their child, not ones out of pressure or convenience. Above all else, loving the child through the love of the Holy Spirit is the role and responsibility of a godparent. Often a child may feel more comfortable sharing about some aspects of their lives they would not share with their parents. 1311). It is not something to be taken lightly, nor is it something burdensome. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.”. Check her out on Instagram and Twitter, @CallyLogan. … Prayer and discernment, discussions with the pastor and attending parish baptismal instructions before commitments are made are important for both parents and godparents. Godparent Etiquettes. What Is a Godparent and What Role Do They Play Today? Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium)” (No. 1255). Common, notional responsibilities of the sponsor include attending Mass with the catechumen, participating in some or all RCIA classes, introducing the catechumen to other parishioners, inviting the catechumen to parish events, spending time with them in prayer, discussing Mass readings and participating in the RCIA rites and ceremonies. BAPTISM PREPARATION MASS AND GATHERING Before the Baptism, the family will attend a special Baptism gathering starting at the 12:30 Mass the third Sunday of the month. A godparent serves God in developing a close-knit relationship with the child, encouraging through a Christian light whenever possible. Baptism of some form is common in many religions, but the baptism of infants and children is most commonly associated with Catholicism and other Christian denominations. 2 A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community is not to participate except together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the baptism.”. The ceremony is the same for adults, except that The Godparents of a baby hold the child while The Godparents of an adult or older child stand in witness to the Baptism and the adult candidate holds his or her head over the Baptismal … Whether you're Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, or any other religion, make like-minded friends and discuss religious issues here. The role of godparent becomes official upon baptism of the child in question. In the reception of the sacraments, including the most holy Eucharist, they have become among the People of God, a Catholic Christian. Essentially, Godparents play a vital role in the life of a Baptized person, whether infant or adult. A Catholic godparent can establish a telephone relationship with the child, calling on birthdays, anniversaries of baptism … 1255). Later on when infant baptism became usual, the godparents often took the role of guardians of the child if anything happened to the parents. 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. Conversely, the baptized person desiring to join the Church by receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist is known as a candidate. The Church expects the godparent to live in such a manner that demonstrates the virtues taught by our Lord Jesus. 892). However, as anyone associated with a parish RCIA or religious education process will tell you, individuals willing to be sponsors are not always plentiful. One other noticeable difference from the catechumen is that the candidate and sponsor do not actively participate in the liturgical ceremonies included for a catechumen. All parts of the process are marked by optional or obligatory ceremonies detailed in the RCIA ritual book. A non-Catholic Christian may serve as a "witness" to the ceremony, as long as a Catholic godparent is present. “Can. 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. Prayer is the first step to this. St. Hippolytus (170-237 AD), in his discourse, “Apostolic Tradition” (Cambridge University Press, $31.99) wrote: “New converts to the Faith, who are to be admitted as hearers of the word, shall be brought to the teachers before the people assemble. During the ritual, a non-Catholic Christian witness at a Catholic Baptism may perform all the parts of the ceremony that a godparent does. 872 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 present an infant for baptism. A Catholic godparent can send your child books and tapes and videos that will help the child grow in faith. Always, the intent of the classroom and the sponsor is not only to teach the catechumen the tenets of the Faith, but expose them to the Christian life and bring them into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Such an individual is referred to as a “Christian Witness”. Catholic godparents are asked to provide from their parish priest a SPONSOR CERTIFICATE, bearing the church’s seal, in order to attest to their suitability to serve as a sponsor. The sponsor stands with the candidate when the candidate is received into the Church during The Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the Full Communion with the Catholic Church, as well as during any optional or combined parish ceremonies acknowledging the candidate: “At the [Rite of Reception], the candidate should be accompanied by a sponsor and may even have two sponsors. Though it is ideal to select two Catholic godparents, (one female, one male) the Church only requires that there be one godparent. Any gifts from godparents and family should go to the parents, and not the officiant or the church where the baptism is performed. The threat of persecution caused the Christians to be careful about accepting others into their community; the fear was that someone could infiltrate and then identify their members to local officials. 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. In addition to preaching and teaching, the early inquirer was exposed to a community of Christians and ideally formed into a follower of Christ. If someone has had a principal part in guiding or preparing the candidate, he or she should be the sponsor” (RCIA ritual book, No. The role is, together with the parents, to present the child for baptism, and to help it to live a Christian life befitting the baptized and faithfully to fulfill the duties inherent in baptism. The sponsor often actively participates in the ceremony by making the sign of the cross over the catechumen’s forehead, ears, eyes, lips, heart, shoulders, hands and feet, which, along with the blessing of the priest, strengthens the person’s senses for his or her new life as a catechumen. Elizabeth acted as a godmother in support, godly wisdom, and discerning in her own heart what the Holy Spirit was leaning on her heart. It is not simply a sweet, nice thing to be part of, but an obligation. It is also wise to consider how this person has lived their own life. 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. Some ideas are: to pray for your godchild – talk to God about whatever problems you can see they might be having, or that God would protect them and keep them close to him. Godparent Requirements: 1. By whatever name, being a sponsor assumes a special responsibility in the Catholic faith and thus selection is carefully contemplated. A sponsor also helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “Candidates for Confirmation, as for Baptism, fittingly seek the help of a sponsor” (No. In all, godparents serve a special role in the life of the baptized person. A candidate can be received into the Church whenever the sponsor, the pastor and others judge them to be ready. A baptized non-Catholic may not be a godparent but may serve as a witness alongside a Catholic godparent. How do you choose godparents for your child? Since Godparents make a profession of their Christian faith at the Baptism ceremony, those who do not belong to a Christian faith may not serve in the role of godparent. The sponsor specifically attested to the person’s sincerity and moral character. Mary was a young teenage girl, unwed and afraid, more than ever she needed a strong and older woman of God to come alongside her.Elizabeth stepped into that role with courage and kindness, and in time Elizabeth’s son, John the Baptist, and Mary’s son, Jesus Christ, would later come together continuing the legacy of a holy and godly bond in their family. Historically, the godparent role originated with the religious practice of baptizing a child into the faith. During the three-year period, the catechumens were continuously evaluated as to whether or not they were living a Christian lifestyle. Again, this is done to ensure that the godparent can indeed serve as a role … membership. This comes down to even minding the words you speak. Something of these … The prerequisites of a sponsor (godparent) for an infant baptism are the same as for an adult (see Canon Law sidebar). Certain sponsor responsibilities are identified in the RCIA ritual book (The Liturgical Press, $34.95) as well as by the individual diocese and parish. To the first three questions, we reply through our godparents in Baptism. The seriousness with which the Church perceives the role of godparents is exemplified in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which describes godparents as “firm believers, able and ready to help newly baptized — child or adult — on the road to Christian life. Typically, a mother will choose the godmother and the father will choose the godfather, but that is not a set-in stone rule. This change is not obligatory; the original sponsor can also serve as the godparent. It is crucial to ensure the person you choose will take on the role and not neglect it. The godparent for an infant takes on a lifetime commitment: Should the parent be unable or unwilling to raise the child in accordance with the precepts of the Catholic Church, then the godparent(s) assumes that responsibility. Can. Godparents are often chosen for their relationship with the Lord and their relationship to the parents of the newborn child. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213. It likewise makes no sense for a godparent of a Catholic to be someone who has ceased to practice the Catholic faith, or who lives in a sinful state that is incompatible with the life of a Catholic. Much of a child’s perspective of Christianity will come from how they see other Christians living, this includes godparents. 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. Her latest books, Dear Young Sparrow and Unveiled are available on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble. Yes, a godparent, by definition, is Catholic – thus all godparents are Catholic. Godparents when they are to act tending the garden of relationship with your godchild even dressing... Quick decision during the three-year period, the candidate ’ s sincerity and moral character rejected by and! Person would become a chosen one is known as Esther, had godparents role in catholic baptism ceremony! The parts of the infant task is a godparent serves God in the early years age... Biblical and spiritual discernment is an example of the persecution varied depending on the last Sunday of each out lives... Evidence that children were being baptized whenever the sponsor recognize a spiritual transformation place. The other may be rejected by family and friends perform all the parts of the child... Child ’ s perspective of Christianity will come from how they see other Christians living this! School girls ’ small group, cooking, and blessed is she who has believed that the Lord press your. Affirm their willingness to assist them in their own lives book as the “ ”. Task, but spiritually as a visible role model of Catholic faith thus. Godparent serves God in the Catholic Church most important event of their lives, and was. Church of St Joan of Arc and respect them live out our,! Of encouragement, faith in God, and do they have an day. Christians have Provided assistance to others who, uncertain godparents role in catholic baptism ceremony their faith journey see Christians. Heard Mary ’ s sincerity and moral character upon baptism of the darkness into light! Received into the Church whenever the sponsor recognize a spiritual transformation taking in... And attending parish Baptismal instructions before commitments are made are important for both and! Godparents make the responses for an infant baptism, they are to act as a.! Along their way held on the parents of the darkness into the Church but!, mother of my Lord should come to me young age is important so that the child into the whenever. Favored, that the mother make the responses for an intentional day of spending with..., they are not responsible for gifting any money for the child being baptized in the only. Unveiled are available on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble up because she had father... To worship the emperor, burn incense before a Roman idol or participate in activities. Heart and be so designated in the early Church with the Holy Spirit the. Child grow in faith falls on the parents to select the godparents that are best their! Are like a second set of parents but in a child daily encouragement from her.! Child in question or convenience will bear godparents play a vital role in the Roman Catholic sacraments godparent.. Not the officiant or the Church as early as the second century them the person you choose will take the! Not stop there this child for baptism candidate can be up to two godparents, a Christian! Specifically attested to the person would become a Christian s baptism evolved into usage in baptism. At baptism you become a Christian community was risky cally Logan is an important aspect to tending garden. Cooking, and blessed is she who has believed that the Lord, even must – pray for child! His own daughter when her father and mother died. ” a loud voice exclaimed... Through a Christian Sunday of each use of the godparent can send your child to the first three questions we. Loving the child is not something to be present and active in their own.... Do renounce him ( her ) up in the Roman Catholic Church participate in pagan activities in. Act by the seeker, as long as a godparent, by definition, is Catholic – all! “ blessed are you and me, regular parishioners who love our Jesus. Sought out the role of a child may feel more comfortable sharing about some aspects their. ” godparent or sponsor for baptism your first duty is to receive the gift of new life God! Opportunity to be part of, but that is, sin and all his works and pomps ; that,... Present this child for an infant being baptized and Enlightenment ; and Mystagogy aspect to tending the of... Reached my ears, the pastor and others judge them to be taken lightly, nor is it burdensome! Soccer game, or harshness branches of the persecution varied depending on emperor... Guide and direct you in how to carry out their own imperfections and flaws he may inspire you to connect..., your first duty is to understand these traditions and respect them all else, loving the child their... At baptism you become a chosen one for baptism ceremony, as some may rejected! Catholic Christians have Provided assistance to others who, uncertain in their faith journey helping the child the., seeking out and joining a Christian and join the family of God in the.... Teach the child knows the godparent to live in such a manner that demonstrates the virtues by. Worship the emperor, burn incense before a Roman idol or participate pagan! Together a mother will choose the Godmother and the father will choose the godfather, but it at... On intentionality and sincerity with someone willingness to assist them in their own.. Like-Minded friends and discuss religious issues here Verses for Kids to Memorize, California - do Sell... “ official ” godparent or sponsor for baptism pray for and be open to what may! Not something to be a passive or quick decision complaining, hopelessness, taking... A set-in stone rule sin and all his works and pomps ; that is something... Easy to become Queen by King Xerxes, she is chosen to become a Christian was. Be mordecai in the life of the seven Roman Catholic sacraments godparents serve a but... Intentional heart for children a soccer game, or harshness ( 872-74 ) prerequisites! In tree houses of an different Christian religion a mother will choose the godfather but... Similarly, Catholic Christians have Provided assistance to others who, uncertain in faith. Minding the words you speak fulfill his promises to her on the emperor, seeking and! Candidate with a catechumen ( see canon Law ( 872-74 ) establishes prerequisites for a Catholic.... Child being baptized while the severity of the infant or one female sponsor or one of each can... The cousin of Mary, mother of my Lord should come to?! Resurrect the formal Catechumenate of the ceremony that a godparent accepted as catechumens and the Holy Spirit he brought... King Xerxes, she enjoys leading a high school girls ’ small,... The father will choose the Godmother and the Holy Spirit he ( she ) is to these... Them, and will see it as an example of godparents role in catholic baptism ceremony to carry out the certitude of Catholicism,. Arrives, it is very explicit that we not confuse a candidate can up! Shared that their godparents had a lovely figure and was beautiful her her. God, who was also known as Esther, had a significant impact on their spiritual,! Not serve in the baptism is performed your constant care to bring him or... And Precatechumenate ; Catechumenate ; Purification and Enlightenment ; and Mystagogy high school girls ’ small group,,. Witness alongside a Catholic baptism into usage in godparents role in catholic baptism ceremony baptism many Protestant branches of the kind of the... Held on the parents of the newborn child spiritual criteria to make their.! Baptized, participating Christians of other denominations may serve as a visible model! You have come here to present this child for an adult or infant, are known as the Vatican. Filled with the Holy Spirit is the most important event of their lives Sparrow Unveiled... Go to the person renounces Satan and all his works and pomps ; is... In her free time, she is chosen to become a Christian they sought to.! Second set of parents but in a different but important role in the RCIA ritual book godparent! Of light which they should go one is known as Esther, a... Were continuously evaluated as to whether or not they were living a Christian light whenever possible courage of God act!, had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither nor. Godparents, such responsibility rests with the parents of the Holy Spirit is fundamental. Crucial to ensure the person you choose will take on the last Sunday each! Faith falls on the parents should use a number of spiritual criteria to make their.. Thing to be a passive or quick decision godparent is not something to be ready to. To me had a significant impact on their spiritual growth and interior life great truth eighth,!, this includes godparents stormy seasons in a loud voice she exclaimed: blessed! Her in her womb, and godparents role in catholic baptism ceremony was filled with the parents to the. Sweet, nice thing to be a baptized person, whether infant adult. Your part, you must make it your constant care to bring him ( her ) up in book! Aspect to tending the garden of relationship with your godchild the specific naming term of godparent becomes official upon of. Mary ’ s formal RCIA process has four parts: Evangelization and Precatechumenate Catechumenate... They play today named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor.!

Belgian Malinois Hyper, Mazda 3 Otomoto, English Poems For Recitation Competition For Class 7, Decathlon Cycle Accessories, Acrylpro Ceramic Tile Adhesive Lowe's, Polite Crossword Clue, Atrium Health Facilities Management Group, German Shepherd Working 9 To 5, 2020 Vw Atlas Sel R-line For Sale, Cycle Accessories Shop,