St. James
Sacred Heart - St. Patrick
The requirements and duties for a Sponsor, or Godparent, of baptism, are set by the Church. The U.S. Catholic Catechism, on page 189, states these requirements in this manner:
"Whenever a person is baptized, as an infant, as a child, or as an adult, there should be at least one person present who iwll act as sponsor for the one being baptized. The sponsor, commonly referred to as one's godmother or godfather, accepts the responsibility of helping hte person grow in the Catholic faith. One who acts as a sponsor for an infant or child agrees to help the parents teach their child about the faith and how to live as a practicing Catholic. One who acts as sponsor for an adult agrees to encourage and support the person, pray with and for the person, and offer whatever help, information or support is needed while the person is preparing to enter the Church and then is living out the rest of his or her life as a practicing Catholic.
"For a person to act as a sponsor for Baptism, he or she must be at least sixteen years old, must have already received all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist), and must be living in a way that demonstrates that one's faith is strong enough to be able to fulfill the responsibilities involved with being a sponsor. A sponsor who is married must be married in accord with the laws of the Church."
Some reflections to consider:
Quick – name your baptismal Godparents. Can you?
First, a little history. Where did the custom originate? In the Church’s early days, when a person wanted to join the Church, he/she was given a godparent, or sponsor, to teach and to serve as a living witness of what it meant to be a Christian. It would be the sponsor’s responsibility to see that this person would grow in his or her understanding of the faith, and practice it wholeheartedly. Even after the person was initiated into the Church through baptism, confirmation and eucharist, the sponsor would assist them to live in a manner true to their baptismal promises.
When the baptism of infants became common practice around the third century, godparents continued to play a role, by promising with the parents to assist the child to grow in faith. We have continued this practice, as a way of taking baptism seriously. Assigning godparents in this backup role, helps us to have complete assurance that this baptism will not be an empty ritual; that this child will grow to know his/her heritage. Even if the parents should not live up to their task, we reason, the child would still be guided in faith by the godparents.
The choice of a Godparent, then, is a serious one. What should you look for?
Begin with these qualities:
· Someone who practices his/her faith. If married, a godparent must be married in the Catholic Church. Some parishes even require written verification that a prospective godparent is registered and participating in his/her church community; and proof of marriage in church.
Some things to AVOID when choosing a godparent for your child:
Parents, remember - It is your responsibility to choose who will be your child’s spiritual mentor. Take everything into consideration; bring your choice to God in prayer.
What if you are asked to be a godparent?
First, feel honored! Someone sees something in you that makes them believe you will be a good faith companion for their child. Second, weigh the responsibility involved. Ask yourself whether indeed you will be able to be a good godparent. While it is hard to say “no” to a friend who asks, sometimes it is the better thing to do if you know you would not be a suitable godparent. And if you say “yes”, pray that you may fulfill this sacred task well.
Here are some ways to carry out your work:
· Develop a relationship with your godchild. Spend lots of time with him/her.
· Have a good relationship with his/her parents; one that is open to challenge and growth.
· Be informed about your faith and what your Church teaches; be ready to answer your godchild’s questions when he/she gets old enough to ask
· Be a good example for him/her.
· Prepare for baptism with parents; help celebrate the day.
· Remember your godchild’s anniversary of baptism and other special days. Affirm him/her.
· Be present at your godchild’s First Eucharist, Confirmation and Marriage, whether or not you are chosen as godparent for those occasions.
· Keep your godchild continually in your prayer.
“Who is my Godparent?” - should be a question none of us ever has to ask. A great gift we give to our children is to provide them with good and faithful godparents; so that during their growing years they will have a wise companion, a confidant, a spiritual guide to help them navigate life’s choppy waters. What a wonderful gift that would be!