godparents role in catholic baptism ceremony

The role of godparent becomes official upon baptism of the child in question. The use of the term in a child’s baptism evolved into usage in adult baptism. 893.2). … The child is a Godchild. The role of the chosen godparents is twofold. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213. According to canon law, it is the duty and privilege of Catholic parents to pass on the gift of faith to their newly baptized child, and likewise, it is the duty and privilege of godparents … Asking the Lord who His choice of godparent for your new little blessing is, or asking Him to make it apparent to your own heart who will take on the role well. 874. Choosing a godparent is not an easy task, but it is one of consequence. Godparents accompany the catechumen at the parish’s optional Rite of Sending, during the obligatory Rite of Election at the diocesan cathedral and through all the remaining RCIA activities. At the end of the Evangelization and Precatechumenate period, the time especially set aside for discernment, the well-prepared inquirers and their sponsors participate in a parish Rite of Acceptance ceremony. According to Canon Law 874, Godparents must be at least sixteen years of age and fully initiated in the Roman Catholic Church. Esther 2:7 explains, “Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. Can. An adult parent made a confession of faith for the child, was the child’s sponsor and provided assurance that the child would be brought up as a Christian. Something of these … 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. Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Sharon Mccutcheon. The prerequisites of a sponsor (godparent) for an infant baptism are the same as for an adult (see Canon Law sidebar). Typically, a mother will choose the godmother and the father will choose the godfather, but that is not a set-in stone rule. Though it is ideal to select two Catholic godparents, (one female, one male) the Church only requires that there be one godparent. There can be up to two godparents, a male and a female, for a single child. 1. Godparents are often chosen for their relationship with the Lord and their relationship to the parents of the newborn child. It is not simply a sweet, nice thing to be part of, but an obligation. In all, godparents serve a special role in the life of the baptized person. And they shall be examined as to their reason for embracing the Faith, and those who bring them shall testify that they are competent to hear the word.” Having received the testimony of the sponsor, the Church leaders would further evaluate the one seeking to become a Christian. Above all else, loving the child through the love of the Holy Spirit is the role and responsibility of a godparent. Article Images Copyright ©. 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. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “Candidates for Confirmation, as for Baptism, fittingly seek the help of a sponsor” (No. In the early years of the Church, it was not easy to become a Christian. Godparents must be practicing Catholics who are at least 16 years of age and must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Here, the inquirers are accepted as catechumens and the sponsors verbally affirm their willingness to assist them in their faith journey. Christian Parenting and Family Resources with Biblical Principles. This is a matter of tremendous spiritual importance, and the parents should use a number of spiritual criteria to make their choice. The sponsor specifically attested to the person’s sincerity and moral character. 1311). Her latest books, Dear Young Sparrow and Unveiled are available on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble. “Can. At the ceremony, the godparent is there with the parents, the child and the priest. 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 Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. St. Augustine argued against those who wanted to teach inquirers “only what they needed to believe” and “after baptism instruct them in what they must do to live a good Christian life.”. Today that chosen one is known as the elect. 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. These persons would be asked about their lifestyle and occupation. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Also pray that the Lord will guide and direct you in how to pray for and be there for the child that day. As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Even the dressing etiquette should be followed meticulously by the godparents when they are present at the baptism ceremony. Traditionally, they offer their blessings of the nuptials and stand as witnesses to the marriage covenant. 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. Could the sponsor recognize a spiritual transformation taking place in the catechumen? 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). Many times, one Godparent will be chosen by the mother for her side of the family, or a close friend, and likewise one on the side of the father for a relative or close friend. What Is a Godparent and What Role Do They Play Today? Praying for your godchild is important daily. On your part, you must make it your constant care to bring him (her) up in the practice of the faith. In the reception of the sacraments, including the most holy Eucharist, they have become among the People of God, a Catholic Christian. Can. If they feel accepted and wanted they will feel more inclined to grow closer with someone. Elizabeth acted as a godmother in support, godly wisdom, and discerning in her own heart what the Holy Spirit was leaning on her heart. Subscribe now. The selection and responsibilities of a sponsor for a baptized adult, a candidate, are similar to those of a catechumen, but the formation period of the candidate may be of a shorter duration. Yet the Holy Spirit is summoning, calling to them, and we have a rare opportunity to be a light along their way. If the bishop was satisfied, then the person would become a chosen one for baptism. Baptized, participating Christians of other denominations may serve as a “Christian Witness” and be so designated in the Baptismal Register. Whether you're Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, or any other religion, make like-minded friends and discuss religious issues here. It is a great honor when friends ask you to be a Godparent (aka, mentor, supporting adult, guideparent or guardian) and is an awsome responsibility and signals that they really trust you to look out for their child if something should happen to them. This guidance and the writings of many Church Fathers such as St. Cyril of Jerusalem (313-86) and St. Augustine (354-430) also include instructions that are, even today, provided to those seeking to join the Church. Baptism is the first of the seven Roman Catholic sacraments. 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. It is crucial to ensure the person you choose will take on the role and not neglect it. Baptism and christening ceremonial traditions vary from one culture to another. When she is chosen to become Queen by King Xerxes, she is suddenly faced with huge decisions concerning her people. 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. The Role of Godparents This article explains the role of godparents in Catholic baptism. The Catholic Baptism ceremony for infants is the very picture of innocence and beauty. 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. A male Godparent is a Godfather and a female Godparent is a Godmother. 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. 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. The sponsor is the face of the Church. Celebrating their achievements and being present throughout their lives is the fundamental role of a godparent. Godparents in many ways are like a second set of parents but in a different way. Since the godparents’ role is to assist the parents in raising the child as a Catholic, their selection is a very important decision. By the fifth century, St. Augustine had proposed that someone other than a parent act as a child’s baptismal sponsor, someone who could provide Christian direction for the child in event of the parent’s death. Are they honest, trustworthy, and do they have an intentional heart for children? As a godparent, you serve a different but important role in helping to teach the child the way in which they should go. While adults seeking baptism can select their godparents, such responsibility rests with the parents of the infant. 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 Christians were cautious and worshipped covertly. Never discount the blessing and impact a day of ice cream and mini-golf can have on a child. As a godparent being intentional is an important aspect to tending the garden of relationship with your godchild. 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. Godparents. Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium)” (No. A non-Catholic Christian may serve as a "witness" to the ceremony, as long as a Catholic godparent is present. Although the specific naming term of godparent arose through Catholicism, it is not exclusive to the Catholic Church to become a godparent. 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. The Church expects the godparent to live in such a manner that demonstrates the virtues taught by our Lord Jesus. 874.1. As a godparent, your first duty is to understand these traditions and respect them. 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