Becoming a Great Godparent: Everything a Catholic Needs to Know
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For others, one or both sides of their extended families were not Catholic, leaving the parents scratching their heads over potential guardians of the faith. And then there are those who felt pressured, a sense of obligation, into choosing a family member who they would not have freely chosen. The list of reasons goes on and on. Given we are expecting another child this fall, the godparent selection process is once again the topic du jour in Das Schmidt Haus.
We are hoping not to detonate any landmines in the process, so it seems timely to break open this topic. The Catechism of the Catholic Church points out:.
So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized — child or adult on the road of Christian life. Their task is a truly ecclesial function. The whole ecclesial community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism.
When it comes to choosing a godparent, what should parents be seeking?
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Historically the role of godparents was practically very significant. In times past, it was not uncommon for a parent to die prematurely before children had reached adulthood. In the event both parents died, either of the godparents would be the first choice to raise the child. This is why godparents were usually family members, often one from each side. Today the role of godparent carries far less, if any, custodial expectations.
Rather, the godparent should serve as a Christian witness and role model by regularly, actively, and authentically practicing the faith. Parents have the Christian obligation to choose godparents who are sincere in their lifetime commitment.
Consider taking the following questions to prayer to aid the discernment process. Another reason to take these questions to prayer is to avoid the awkward possibility of your choice being rejected. Did you know the Church has the final say when it comes to assessing the suitability of a chosen godparent? In the case, albeit rare, when the Church determines a candidate is not suitable, the parents must choose another person who meets the requirements established by the Catholic Church.
Indeed, the selection of godparents is so important that it should be prayerfully discerned. Perhaps a Novena to the Holy Spirit is in order to help the discernment process? Set up a giveaway. There's a problem loading this menu right now. Learn more about Amazon Prime. Get fast, free shipping with Amazon Prime. Get to Know Us.
How should I select godparents for my child?
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When it comes to choosing a godparent, what should parents be seeking? The opinions expressed on this blog are those of the individual columnists, and not the official opinions of the Catholic Writers Guild. You can also pray together. 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. I feel like I am stuck deciding whether it is more important to get our girls baptized sooner with lack luster godparents or later with better ones we may be able to befriend after being at our current parish a little longer. They wanted to provide Brookelyn and her new three-month-old sister, Savannah, with godparents who would not only be a source of support to them but also be strong spiritual guides.
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Shopbop Designer Fashion Brands. Withoutabox Submit to Film Festivals. Amazon Renewed Refurbished products with a warranty. Without the gift of faith themselves, they cannot support the faith in someone else. Therefore, at least one godparent must be a fully initiated baptized Catholic.
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The true intent is that the godparent be an active, practicing Catholic, someone who treasures the Catholic faith, provides good example and would joyfully and eagerly be a partner with the parents in raising the child in the faith. The church gives a number of other specific criteria for the selection of godparents. In addition, the godparent or sponsor is to be chosen by the person to be baptized if the candidate is an adult, or chosen by the parents if the one to be baptized is an infant or child.
The godparent must have completed the 16th year of age, unless an exception is granted for just cause. Paul and Minneapolis Clergy Newsletter, Vol. The godparent should also be someone who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on; not be bound by any canonical penalties; and not be the father or mother of the child see Canon A non-Catholic may serve as a witness to the baptism, but is not officially the godparent, a role that is reserved to Catholics alone. You can donate with a credit card by clicking here.