Saul, before he became St. Paul, is an example of the kind of person the Christians sought to avoid. Let the Lord press in your heart and be open to what He may inspire you to intentionally connect with your godchild. When the period of Catechumenate is ended, the catechumen may replace his or her sponsor with a different individual, a godparent. Did you enjoy this article? Pray protection over the child, pray that the child does not fall into harm, and pray that the Lord blesses the child that day. A godparent serves God in developing a close-knit relationship with the child, encouraging through a Christian light whenever possible. Several Church fathers have verified the three-year timeframe, including St. Hippolytus: “Let the catechumen be three years hearing the word; but if a man is zealous and perseveres well in the word, it is not time but his character that is decisive.” Throughout the period of instruction the sponsor accompanied the inquirer and offered guidance, direction and, ideally, a model for living the teachings of Christ. Christians were viewed by many Romans and Jews as a disloyal secret society holding mysterious services, eating and drinking what they called the body and blood of the Nazarene Jesus, the one who had been crucified as a political criminal. Christians were cautious and worshipped covertly. As a godparent, you serve a different but important role in helping to teach the child the way in which they should go. But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Again, this is done to ensure that the godparent can indeed serve as a role … The individual(s) named as godparent(s) must satisfy the requirements of canon law and be approved by the parish pastor. Esther 2:7 explains, “Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. 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. Typically, a mother will choose the godmother and the father will choose the godfather, but that is not a set-in stone rule. 872 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 present an infant for baptism. Mordecai encourages her in her faith and in the courage of God to act. Today’s formal RCIA process has four parts: Evangelization and Precatechumenate; Catechumenate; Purification and Enlightenment; and Mystagogy. 1255). Mordecai did not act only as a guardian to Esther in providing housing and food, but spiritually as a godfather to her. Yes, a godparent, by definition, is Catholic – thus all godparents are Catholic. Approved by the bishop, the catechumen is now known as the elect, and from that point the godparent offers guidance through the days of Lent and participates at the three Scrutinies, the elect’s baptism during the Easter Vigil and in the final period of RCIA, Mystagogy. Even the dressing etiquette should be followed meticulously by the godparents when they are present at the baptism ceremony. The Church expects the godparent to live in such a manner that demonstrates the virtues taught by our Lord Jesus. This is the most important event of their lives. 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. One example would be Mordecai in the book of Esther. Every Christian community wanted to share the Good News and expand the number of believers, but at the same time they sought complete candor and sincerity from the inquirer. The Bible instructs us to, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Baptism is the first of the seven Roman Catholic sacraments. 1311). In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! Godparents must be practicing Catholics who are at least 16 years of age and must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. During these ceremonies, the sponsor often stands behind the catechumen, placing his or her right hand on the catechumen’s right shoulder, symbolizing continuing support, confidence and encouragement. Baptized, participating Christians of other denominations may serve as a “Christian Witness” and be so designated in the Baptismal Register. Often a child may feel more comfortable sharing about some aspects of their lives they would not share with their parents. The Church only requires that there be one godparent. The Rite of Acceptance marks the catechumen’s formal entrance into the order of Catechumenate, the next part of the RCIA process, which lasts for several weeks. Prayer and discernment, discussions with the pastor and attending parish baptismal instructions before commitments are made are important for both parents and godparents. Praying for your godchild is important daily. Since the godparents’ role is to assist the parents in raising the child as a Catholic, their selection is a very important decision. V. Provided at least one Godparent is a qualified Catholic, the other may be a baptized member of an different Christian religion. Although the specific naming term of godparent arose through Catholicism, it is not exclusive to the Catholic Church to become a godparent. In her free time, she enjoys leading a high school girls’ small group, cooking, and spending time in tree houses. A male Godparent is a Godfather and a female Godparent is a Godmother. If married, the godparent must be married in the Catholic Church or had their marriage blessed by the Catholic … While the severity of the persecution varied depending on the emperor, seeking out and joining a Christian community was risky. First and foremost, they are to act as a source of prayer and example for the child being baptized. A Catholic godparent can establish a telephone relationship with the child, calling on birthdays, anniversaries of baptism … Send feedback to us at oursunvis@osv.com. This Biblical and Spiritual discernment is an excellent way in which someone can mentor and be present as a godparent. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213. The Ritual RCIA book states that, “It is the responsibility of the godparent to show the candidate how to practice the Gospel in personal and social life and to be for the candidate a bearer of Christian witness and a guardian over growth in baptismal life.” (Note: The Church uses the term “candidate” here to identify the one to be baptized, a candidate for baptism. 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. 483). Prayer is the first step to this. Anyone seeking to join the Catholic Church — catechumen, candidate, even a baptized Catholic child attending a confirmation or religious education class ­­– has a sponsor, someone who helps guide them on their faith journey. Essentially, Godparents play a vital role in the life of a Baptized person, whether infant or adult. Can Loved Ones in Heaven Look Down on You? It is the responsibility of godparents to show the candidates how to practice the Gospel in personal and social life, to sustain the candidates in moments of hesitancy and anxiety, to bear witness and to guide the candidates progress in baptismal life” (No. What Is a Godparent and What Role Do They Play Today? This is a matter of tremendous spiritual importance, and the parents should use a number of spiritual criteria to make their choice. As a godparent being intentional is an important aspect to tending the garden of relationship with your godchild. This comes down to even minding the words you speak. 874. The ritual book explains that “Godparents are chosen … on the basis of example, good qualities and friendship, delegated by the local Christian community and approved by the priest. Though it is ideal to select two Catholic godparents, (one female, one male) the Church only requires that there be one godparent. Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Sharon Mccutcheon. The terms “catechumen” and “candidate,” closely tied to sponsors and godparents, often need clarification. The sponsor is the face of the Church. Godparents can – should, even must – pray for a child daily. Non-baptized persons may not serve in the role of godparents or witnesses. The faithful Catholics assisting others along this journey we know as sponsors. The role of godparents is a high honor given to a man and a woman after the birth of a child. 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. To the first three questions, we reply through our godparents in Baptism. There is evidence that children were being baptized in the Church as early as the second century. Yet the Holy Spirit is summoning, calling to them, and we have a rare opportunity to be a light along their way. At the ceremony, the godparent is there with the parents, the child and the priest. 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 Code of Canon Law specifically addresses the role of a confirmation sponsor: “Insofar as possible there is to be a sponsor for the person to be confirmed; the sponsor is to take care that the confirmed person behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations inherent in this sacrament” (No. The role is, together with the parents, to present the child for baptism, and to help it to live a Christian life befitting the baptized and faithfully to fulfill the duties inherent in baptism. 2 A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community is not to participate except together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the baptism.”. “I do renounce him (or them).” These people of God offering direction may be family, friends, teachers and even strangers. Later on when infant baptism became usual, the godparents often took the role of guardians of the child if anything happened to the parents. Never discount the blessing and impact a day of ice cream and mini-golf can have on a child. 874.1. 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? “Can. Have they handled trials and stormy seasons in a godly manner? A Catholic godparent can send your child books and tapes and videos that will help the child grow in faith. 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. During the ritual, a non-Catholic Christian witness at a Catholic Baptism may perform all the parts of the ceremony that a godparent does. 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 … By them the person renounces Satan and all his works and pomps; that is, sin and all occasions. In addition to preaching and teaching, the early inquirer was exposed to a community of Christians and ideally formed into a follower of Christ. According to Canon Law 874, Godparents must be at least sixteen years of age and fully initiated in the Roman Catholic Church. According to a fourth-century pilgrim to the Holy Land named Etheria, on the first day of Lent those seeking baptism were brought before the bishop, who would ask neighbors and sponsors about these individuals’ lives and virtues. Godparents in many ways are like a second set of parents but in a different way. In the reception of the sacraments, including the most holy Eucharist, they have become among the People of God, a Catholic Christian. By whatever name, being a sponsor assumes a special responsibility in the Catholic faith and thus selection is carefully contemplated. The Church is very explicit that we not confuse a candidate with a catechumen. The role of the godparent is to help. On your part, you must make it your constant care to bring him (her) up in the practice of the faith. The godparent hands over the child to the mother. In the Methodist Church, while broadly similar to the Anglican Church (Church of England) there is in addition a Church appointed godparent with a slightly different role - to keep in touch and provide a link between family and congregation. Choosing a godparent is not an easy task, but it is one of consequence. Can. As a godparent, your first duty is to understand these traditions and respect them. THE ROLE OF THE GODPARENT The principal responsibility of a godparent is to give witness to the Catholic faith by his/her words and actions. The role of the chosen godparents is twofold. By the eighth century, it was common practice to have a sponsor other than the parent, a godparent. All rights reserved. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”. Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. If they feel accepted and wanted they will feel more inclined to grow closer with someone. It is not simply a sweet, nice thing to be part of, but an obligation. In the early years of the Church, it was not easy to become a Christian. St. Scholastica Catholic Church Guidelines for Godparent Eligibility for Baptism. These are called the baptismal vows. 893.2). 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The Role of Godparents This article explains the role of godparents in Catholic baptism. Canon Law (872-74) establishes prerequisites for a Catholic sponsor (godparent) of a catechumen (see Canon Law sidebar below). Such an individual is referred to as a “Christian Witness”. In our mobile society today, it is impossible to ensure that any of those involved won’t someday move or even go separate ways, thus many parents factor in these possibilities when selecting godparents. Monkey see, monkey do is a common expression that carries great truth. Baptism of some form is common in many religions, but the baptism of infants and children is most commonly associated with Catholicism and other Christian denominations. Gift of new life from God, who is love one example would be Elizabeth, the godparent ’! 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