Godparents are often chosen for their relationship with the Lord and their relationship to the parents of the newborn child. Today, the godparent plays a symbolic role in contemporary Christianity. While your godchild reaches a new depth in the Catholic faith upon Confirmation, your role as a godparent does not end. The Code of Canon law establishes the duties of a godparent and states: Insofar as possible, a person to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who assists an adult in Christian initiation or together with the parents presents an infant for baptism. People move, change jobs, and travel. One example would be Mordecai in the book of Esther. Her role just changes. The official godparent aspect may end at a certain time, but the relationship between the two should continue. But as your relationship grows with your godchild, you may choose to do some activities together or assist in other ways as your finances dictate. Youre not there to be the catechism police, says Clay, who works for an online radio station. Lastly, would you trust your child to learn and grow from their influence? But, to be Dear catholic.com visitors: This website from Catholic Answers, with all its many resources, is the worlds largest source of explanations for Catholic beliefs and practices. So, what does this mean for you? If parents decide that godparents should assume care in their permanent absence, legal documents stating so must be drawn up, as they would be with any custody arrangement. Kaeley Van Zoren recently faced a line of questioning about her religious beliefs over dinner. The godparent takes on the responsibility as an adult witness to and someone who influences the spiritual life of a young person. How, then, can the godparents best carry out these duties? But unlike sexual encounters the godparenting experience won't necessarily improve as your numbers grow. With Confirmation, your godchild will begin to exemplify the Lord and share his or her faith in daily life. WebThe role of a godparent doesn't end with the ceremony. This role is about your godchild and the faith his or her parents are placing in you. They are not just special on the day but special for a childs life, even when they are grown-up themselves. It is the same with birthdays or wedding anniversaries. Choosing a godparent is not choosing a favorite friend or relative, rather it is choosing someone to play a role in your childs life. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Rather than being an emblematic role, godparents in the early Catholic Church assumed the roles of the parents in their absence. you call them a godparent or a witness, they are fulfilling the same roles. Regardless of parental choice for godparents, always keep in mind the religious preferences involved. As the Code of Canon Law puts it: In so far as possible, a person being baptized is to be assigned a The minimum age for a godparent in the Catholic Church is sixteen WebTheres no minimum age for godparents, but they must be mature enough to understand the responsibilities theyre taking on; your vicar can help you decide if this is the right choice for your child and the young godparent. Second, one of guidance in matters of character. The term godparent never appears in the Bibletheologians suggest the term originated around the time that infant baptism came into practicebut it is rooted in cultural tradition. Along with the childs parents, youll be present to profess the child to the Catholic faith. Let the Lord press in your heart and be open to what He may inspire you to intentionally connect with your godchild. More often than not children can pick up on intentionality and sincerity with someone. Show up swinging a Tiffany bag and make sure you stay sober. While the religious aspects of the baptism may not recognize you, it will solidify the familys choice in you as a godparent. Meshing faith-based beliefs and secular life isnt always easy. As a godparent you can guide your godchild in so many ways outside of their faith. PS. Historically, it held more social weight than spiritual, says Bernadette Sweetman, a postdoctoral researcher in adult religious education and faith development at Dublin City University. PS. WebThe Church of England, the mother Church of the Anglican Communion, retained godparents in baptism, formally removing the marriage barriers in 1540, but the issue of the role and status of godparents continued to be debated in the English Church. Weve put together a guide to help you understand the history of the godparent, the role of godparents in Catholic tradition at each sacramental milestone, and what to expect when you become a godmother or godfather for the first time. You need to think about God. The good godmother invites us to consider the role godparents play in raising godchildren to be a holy men and women of God. In Christian denominations, a godparent is traditionally considered to be an infants religious sponsor, involved in the childs religious upbringing. Theres some spirituality that goes along with family relationships, but in this case, each individual serves a different purpose, she says. But dont worry too much. Gifts, dinners, feasts, and gatherings communicate that this event is important. Discover more about what it means to be a good godparent here. Copyright 1980-present Leaflet Missal, Inc. All rights reserved. 4. And the appointment could be strategic. consideration. But, much like sex at the start, you do not yet know if the proceedings are guaranteed to be a roaring success. As with the case of St. Genevieve, there is a tradition that godparents will raise the child if the parents die. The ritual of baptism is a festive social occasion as opposed to a religious one for many families todayso much so that even other religious communities have adopted the role. If the parents elect to Be honored and relish the moment. If the godparent is of a different faith, an item celebrating their faith. As the Code of Canon Law puts it: In so far as possible, a person being baptized is to be assigned a They help the child know they are a beloved child of God, listen to and pray for them, and celebrate the anniversary of their baptism. However, dont discount your faith. Esther 2:7 explains, Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. 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. From the point of view of the Church, you needed to build links outside of your relations, Alfani says. It depends upon how close the relationship is with the godchildren, but I think godparents should have more than just religious responsibilities. Technically, as per most church doctrines, a godparents role continues until their death or the death of the child. It never ends. Before you go, check out one of these awesome articles written by our wonderful Mom Advice Line contributors: Emily Anderson is a mother of three children, all under the age of 10. Take seriously the things of God. As Genevieve cared for Paris, so too do the godparents help their godchild attain what is good and avoid what is evil. It is crucial to ensure the person you choose will take on the role and not neglect it. Shop our entire collection of wedding gifts. Rejoice knowing that you were selected because of your personality, beliefs, As he or she grows and has new experiences, youll be there praying and showing him or her the path forward in the Catholic church. And, when I'm elderly, I expect my role as godparent will be to continually have them in my prayers. Encourage the parents to name the child after a saint and entrust the child to that blessed namesake. But sometimes a godparent cannot continue in his or her duties. As such, all the children may be placed together with one godparent or none at all. But over the past half century, American religious views have changed. I think all adults should be good examples for children growing up. And if you cant commit to be a godparent, youre making the responsible decision in declining the honor. You can help with this by: Much like First Communion, there arent specific rules for godparents to follow for Confirmation. They do not. Ask your godchild to share his or her hopes and expectations. Catholic Baptism During Catholic baptisms, godparents are usually referred to as sponsors and they read the Profession of Faith on behalf of the baby and undertake to help lead the childs faith in the course of their lifetime. WebFor baptism, the godparents are normally chosen by the parents of the child, or their guardians in absence of their parents. The choosing of godparents and the role to become a godparent is no light matter, it is a great honor that should be taken seriously. If not attached at all, hand over the obligatory silver cufflinks/crucifix/photo frame and slink off after the service. I told them Im not super religious; I dont attend church every Sunday., Kaeley, a registered nurse who lives in Philadelphia, had completed eight years of catechism beginning in first grade and received the sacraments of baptism, communion, and confirmation. 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. Be sure to ask those questions in the preparations leading up to the baptism. Today, some parents are choosing to have their children baptized mostly as a reason to celebrate the birth of the child, Alfani says. Your role as a godparent has as much to do with religion as it does with their faith in your abilities to serve in the role. What is expected by the Church is that the godparents exhibit the virtues necessary to flourish in their purpose. Maybe, at times, he will not be open to such a relationship, but be sure that he knows that you are open to that conversation. If the baptism is Catholic, the answer is no. As Americans become less religious, some families are still looking for a mentor for their kids, albeit not a spiritual one. WebYour role as a godparent begins at the baptism. Instead, focus on the time aspect of the relationship. 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. As a godparent, your godchilds parents may ask you to help make those lines less blurry. They should always keep in mind, however, that like Lutetia, the godchild to whom God has entrusted them is destined to become a saint. All in all, its a great way to offer the godchild the best of his or her social circles. But sometimes a godparent cannot continue in his or her duties. But for other faiths, your faith may not be an issue. Technically, the end of your role comes after confirmation, when the godchild is deemed old enough to fend for itself. The great 12th century Rabbi Maimonides noted that if a community fails to establish and maintain education opportunities for its children, its inhabitants are placed under a ban, for as the Talmud states: "The world is sustained only by the breath of schoolchildren.". And always be thankful for your godparents support and love. Now she pleaded with the people to surrender their lives to Providence. This is not good godparenting. Godparents are a beautiful role given by parents for the assistance in raising up their child to know, love, and serve God well. It gets expensive. While the Catholic Church only requires one, some churches, like the Church of England, recommend up to four. In general, I try to instill into adults that the whole family, even older brothers and sisters, have a responsibility to younger ones. To Kaeley, the term godparent is a formalityshes not entirely sure who her own godparents are, so they obviously have not mentored me very much, she says. Realize that many Christian faiths do not recognize same-sex marriages. As with the case of St. Genevieve, there is a tradition that godparents will raise the child if the parents die. Build him a spiritual library. WebYour role as a godparent begins at the baptism. Afterward, as time goes on, your role may grow. Those duties also included guiding the child in his or her faith. You may stay in contact forever. WebDo my duties as a Godparent ever end? Along with the childs parents, youll be present to profess the child to the Catholic faith. These are the very best sort. godparents who are married do not need to be married to each other. What does it mean to be a godparent? Outside of that, the expenses of being a godparent are minimal. A godparent serves God in developing a close-knit relationship with the child, encouraging through a Christian light whenever possible. By tradition, the role has grown into including a godmother and a godfather. They are not just special on the day but special for a childs life, even when they are grown-up themselves. You'll have to buy 'tasteful' (expensive) presents and - be warned - you will be expected to divide your estate equally among them all. An item that lets the 10 Creative and Cute Crafts for Kids This Easter, 7 Things I Would Do Differently if I Were Raising My Children Again, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Be a spiritual mentor. Finally, dont fret over religion. Your pastor can share more about the role and expectations of godparents. Although the specific naming term of godparent arose through Catholicism, it is not exclusive to the Catholic Church to become a godparent. Time-consuming. With great power comes great responsibility, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex step out for Hollywood date night at exclusive private members club as Harry announces major live event, In Queen Margrethe II of Denmarks last interview before her extensive surgery, she spoke of the royal title drama and Crown Prince Frederiks future on the throne, The Princess of Wales wears delicate brooch with touching connection to the late Queen. The concept of being a godparent, common in some religions, is becoming more of a universally accepted practice. Why? Furthermore, they have years of experience and wisdom lacking in younger godparents. Choosing a godparent is not an easy task, but it is one of consequence. But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As they get older, I expect to help them become more well-rounded individuals. At the baptism youll commit the child to God and the Catholic faith. As a matter of fact, the Catholic Church and others like it often prefer godparents to be family members. Her brother, Chris, and his wife, Tara, had just welcomed their first child in May and wanted to name Kaeley godmother. Many, if not most situations, where people who have chosen someone to be a godparent out of guilt or obligation, end up being disastrous. Church leaders may frown upon choosing a godparent because they are a favorite relative or friend. As a godparent, whether in a religious or secular sense, your duty to the child is the primary concern. Can you make that commitment? To Kaeley, the term godparent is a formalityshes not entirely sure who her own godparents are, so they obviously have not mentored me very much, she says. Whether or not your faith will be a consideration has more to do with the faith of the parents and your relationship with them. Even though the role is rooted in Christianity, your role as a godparent may be more than religious. For many Christians, the role is one of honor and tradition. For parents, after a point, their responsibilities to their children change. Grace McDermott, Clays goddaughter, knows their relationship was born of a religious tradition, but sees her connection with Clay as more of a big-brother bond. You can say no to being a godparent. WebThe role of a godparent doesn't end with the ceremony. If the godparent is religious, a personalized devotional or religious icon. Whether youre married yourself, you can show your godchild the importance of matrimony within the Catholic faith. But some do. Have they handled trials and stormy seasons in a godly manner? 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 Zechariahs home and greeted Elizabeth. Imagine a child going to college with a robust collection of spiritual workseach one inscribed as a memento of what is truly important in life. What it comes down to is the parents choice in a godparent. To serve as one, its important that youre steadfast in your own faith and prepared to help your godchild serve the Lord. In those instances, they still remain the godparent. Simply being asked to take on the role of godparent does not mean one automatically takes over custody of a child. For Confirmation, the sponsors are chosen by the one that is undertaking the Sacrament of Confirmation themselves. But what if you are not a member of that same faith? It was a sign one was considered a good friend of the parents or a well-connected member of the community. Godmothers and godfathers are some of the most important figures for a persons journey in the Catholic faith. There is no legal commitment here and the godparent is not the legal guardian of the child. Your role as a godparent begins at the baptism. Youll be a trusted source of information and support as your godchild grows. Thats part of what the godparent relationship means, Flinn says. He was first named godfather at 16 when his first godkidhis cousin, now 22was born. Or use that line from About a Boy: you'll forget all her birthdays until she's 18 and then try and shag her. A few ideas include: Personalized First Communion Cross Being a godparent is going to cost you one thing: your time. PS. For some parents, however, religion will still play a large role in the decision to name you. married in the Catholic Church. Godparents are responsible for guiding the spiritual life of their godchild and be mentors to them in all spheres of life. As Pope St. Paul VI warned, the gap between the gospel and the culture is growing. Pray protection over the child, pray that the child does not fall into harm, and pray that the Lord blesses the child that day. If parents decide that godparents should assume care in their permanent absence, legal documents stating so must be drawn up, as they would be with any custody arrangement. But first, they needed to get a few things straight: They introed it by asking me about how I felt about religion and my thoughts on Catholicism, Kaeley says. The godparent has taken on the formal responsibility for one particular child. Its a life-long commitment which will involve special times and treats, but much more as well. But being a godparent does recognize the trust placed in you by your godchilds parents. Even if you are not religious, the parents chose you because of your core beliefs and values. 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. Are they honest, trustworthy, and do they have an intentional heart for children? Since Christianity holds many denominations, it is quite possible that you will share the duties. Godparents in many ways are like a second set of parents but in a different way. Intentional heart for children that is undertaking the Sacrament of Confirmation themselves too the... Faiths do not need to be family members by: much like First Cross. Will be to continually have them in my when do godparent duties end faith in daily.... To that blessed namesake have years of experience and wisdom lacking in younger godparents important figures for a life. Responsibility for one particular child that is undertaking the Sacrament of Confirmation themselves had. A personalized devotional or religious icon for your godparents support and love time aspect of the parents of the die... To build links outside of their faith godly manner friend of the community as a godparent begins at the youll... Faith of the community in contemporary Christianity unlike sexual encounters the godparenting experience n't! Church is that the godparents exhibit the virtues necessary to flourish in their absence reaches a new depth the... Frame and slink off after the service few ideas include: personalized First Communion Cross being a godparent because are. Leaders may frown upon choosing a godparent begins at the start, you needed to build links of. Responsible decision in declining the honor than being an emblematic role, godparents in many ways of. Christianity holds many denominations, a godparents role continues until their death or the death of the die! Involve special times and treats, but I think all adults should be good examples for growing! In declining the honor chosen for their relationship to the baptism preparations leading up four., an item celebrating their faith for itself Christians, the parents chose you because of your beliefs! 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