Parents benefit greatly from godparents who will be a light and guide, like the candle lit at baptism, to their child. However, some may require or request that at least one of the godparents is the same gender of the child. Even as a priest, I am a godparent to my oldest nephew, but had someone stand in as proxy for the ceremony because I also was conducting the ceremony. The rite is considered a sacrament of initiation and salvation, and for centuries, Christians believed that those not baptized would not go to heaven. Ask your godchild to share his or her hopes and expectations. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'momadviceline_com-box-4','ezslot_8',648,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-momadviceline_com-box-4-0'); In short, faith is often a concern when it doesnt need to be. In those instances, they still remain the godparent. The role of the godparent has evolved alongside those trends: What was once an adult tasked with shepherding a child toward a life of faith has transitioned into a secular role model providing emotional, practical, and even financial support. 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. WebAs a general rule, when a number of children from the same family are involved, the Courts do not desire to separate the children who are striving to cope with the loss of their parents. 4. Roles of a godparent fundamentally require helping the child in their spiritual journey, but it does not stop there. She had exhibited remarkable piety at an early age and had come to live with her godmother in Paris. For some parents, religion may not even be the determining factor. Essentially, a godparent is a person who aids and assists in the spiritual development of a child (sometimes an adult convert who is a child in the faith). In truth, all of us should be unofficial godparents. Be sure to ask those questions in the preparations leading up to the baptism. You might have bonded by then, though - in which case, bravo! This is something theologians thought allowed [us] to build a society in which all individuals were more connected, independent of the fact that they belong to this or that group.. Church leaders may frown upon choosing a godparent because they are a favorite relative or friend. It depends upon how close the relationship is with the godchildren, but I think godparents should have more than just religious responsibilities. Grandparents have the emotional and familial bond to care for their godchildren. Have they sought to have a deeper relationship with the Lord, even in their own imperfections and flaws? Still, Maya Flinn, who lives in Providence, Rhode Island, says she would raise her two godchildrenher 12-year-old niece and the 4-year-old son of her childhood friendif anything were to happen to the parents. 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. If possible, be present at family functions, and when the child is older, be intentional about asking him about his spiritual life. You could be one of many godparents for one child. Many, if not most situations, where people who have chosen someone to be a godparent out of guilt or obligation, end up being disastrous. The godparent is supposed to look after them and make sure they're raised in the church properly. 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. Shop our entire collection of baptismal gifts. You may be the competitive sort, in which case go vulgar. Regarding matters of faith, you can provide the guidance as you understand it. WebParents should not choose godparents because they feel obligated, or because they think that if they don't ask a certain person or couple that they will be offended. 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. The godparent takes on the responsibility as an adult witness to and someone who influences the spiritual life of a young person. Presents, presents, presents. While it is the parents' role to facilitate a child's education, in the event that something happens to the parents, then the larger community is responsible. Typically, godparents have included a godmother and a godfather. While the religious aspects of the baptism may not recognize you, it will solidify the familys choice in you as a godparent. As we see in the liturgy, how we act toward certain things communicates their importancee.g., standing for the Gospel reading or kneeling before the holy Eucharist. How, then, can the godparents best carry out these duties? Time-consuming. While still young, your godchild may surprise you with what theyve already learned, and its a great way to help them take an active role in their own faith journey. Its one of the few circumstances where age is not a disadvantage. Esther 2:7 explains, Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. Mary proceeds to sing a song of gratitude and joy from this great encouragement from her cousin. I still have my godmother, who is my remaining living aunt, and I've been a priest for 44 years. As with the case of St. Genevieve, there is a tradition that godparents will raise the child if the parents die. Repeat this practice each year. approval from a church leader is typically required. WebParents should not choose godparents because they feel obligated, or because they think that if they don't ask a certain person or couple that they will be offended. I wish they'd got me a book instead.'. When I lived near my family in Chicago, I would take my godchildren out to eat, to cultural events, to church, to museums. The minimum age for a godparent in the Catholic Church is sixteen As a teenager, I never once got money in an envelope from a godparent and thought, 'Money - rubbish. 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.. Whether to follow such a tradition is at the parents discretion. Godmothers and godfathers are some of the most important figures for a persons journey in the Catholic faith. Along with the childs parents, youll be present to profess the child to the Catholic faith. Celebrating their achievements and being present throughout their lives is the fundamental role of a godparent. Today, some parents are choosing to have their children baptized mostly as a reason to celebrate the birth of the child, Alfani says. But sometimes a godparent cannot continue in his or her duties. While your godchild reaches a new depth in the Catholic faith upon Confirmation, your role as a godparent does not end. Throughout history, in Central American countries, it was common to ask your rival or enemy to be godparent in order to put an end to a feud, Sweetman says. WebYour role as a godparent begins at the baptism. Copyright 2023 Newsday. But some do. Your role is to provide work experience, even if your godchild is a thicko who scraped half an A-level in sociology. For some parents, however, religion will still play a large role in the decision to name you. about failing her way to blogging success. Come alongside the child to let them see and know you desire to be present and active in their lives. A framed photo of godparent and godchild. 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. Show up swinging a Tiffany bag and make sure you stay sober. By the time the child comes of age and can read such works with interest, he will have a whole library. As discussed, being a godparent is an honor with a level of responsibility to match. Whether to follow such a tradition is at the parents discretion. Godparents should do what they can to communicate that sacramental anniversaries are worthy of remembrance and celebration. Its the communal aspect of baptism that makes it an extension of the world beyond the familys church. If your godchild's parents are heading for divorce, have the small, baffled child to stay. Or use that line from About a Boy: you'll forget all her birthdays until she's 18 and then try and shag her. When godparenting goes right, it's love without the worry, it's rapport without the rows, it's joyful and spiritual fulfilment and someone to visit you in your dotage. Father Peter Garry, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Southold: The relationship ends only when either the godchild or the godparent dies. Its a life-long commitment which will involve special times and treats, but much more as well. Chances are you were chosen for your demeanor and standing. 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. But current traditions and norms have fortunately supplanted this aspect of a godparents duties. For Confirmation, the sponsors are chosen by the one that is undertaking the Sacrament of Confirmation themselves. 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. It is also wise to consider how this person has lived their own life. Does your job as a godparent change as the child grows older? One godfather tried to trump his three rival godparents by giving said godchild a string of Cartier pearls at her christening - though this may have been his future get-out clause, as we have never seen or heard from him since. Around this time, a growing number of parents looked to family members when it came time to choose a godparent. Youre not there to be the catechism police, says Clay, who works for an online radio station. 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. The child being baptized is known as their godchild. Some churches have no age requirement. Located in the Pacific Northwest of the US, Emily is a mom and part-time blogger, jumping in front of the computer when the kids are sleeping. With Confirmation, your godchild will begin to exemplify the Lord and share his or her faith in daily life. A godparent serves God in developing a close-knit relationship with the child, encouraging through a Christian light whenever possible. After the initial joy of the situation wears down, youll probably want to know more about your new role. And, when I'm elderly, I expect my role as godparent will be to continually have them in my prayers. Its a life-long commitment which will involve special times and treats, but much more as well. Some faiths allows for more than two godparents. That is a high standard to maintain. They are not just special on the day but special for a childs life, even when they are grown-up themselves. The godparent has taken on the formal responsibility for one particular child. You can talk to your vicar about choosing godparents and involving them in the christening preparation too. Those are gifts you would have purchased anyway. It is the same with the godparent. Copyright 1980-present Leaflet Missal, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy |Terms of service |Subscription terms |Your ad choices |Cookie Settings |California Privacy Rights |About Us |Contact Newsday |Reprints & permissions |Advertise with Newsday |Help. A godparent serves God in developing a close-knit relationship with the child, encouraging through a Christian light whenever possible. Your babys framed handprint, or a bible with your babys handprint. Whether youre married yourself, you can show your godchild the importance of matrimony within the Catholic faith. Since Christianity holds many denominations, it is quite possible that you will share the duties. PS. In the modern baptism of an infant or child, the godparent or godparents make a profession of faith for the person being baptized (the godchild) and assume an obligation to serve as proxies for the parents if the parents either are unable or neglect to provide for the religious training of the child, in fulfillment of baptismal promises. Viewed from this perspective, godparents often add to a childs family, like a marriage does between couples. We are responsible to teach the young what is important -- and what is not important -- in life. As a godparent, it is also a responsibility to be present as a mentor and person who desires to be present in a childs life. Each year, especially when the child is young, purchase a spiritual classic for your godchild on his baptismal anniversary or patronal feast, and inscribe it. However, more traditional faiths may require a godparent to testify as to the stability of their faith. Children watch how we live out our lives, and will see it as an example of how to carry out their own lives. 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. You never know how the Holy Spirit may work and what phone call you may receive one day. From offering career advice to providing financial assistance, the role of godparents has evolved to match the needs of families today: In lieu of religious support, kids can lean on them for other vital aspects of life. Yes, if your godchild is 40 years old and doing well and following the faith, your job is to take pride in him or her. The bigger the family, the bigger the network.. 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. If you don't have children, you may have hundreds of godchildren, because everyone will assume you're solvent. Modern godparents ultimately act in service of their godchildren, whether as a religious mentor like the centuries of godparents before them, or in more secular ways. Many denominations, it is also wise to consider how this person has lived their own lives station. Age is not important -- and when do godparent duties end phone call you may receive one day as a godparent serves in... Can show your godchild reaches a new depth in the Catholic faith for their godchildren never know how Holy. 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