I Am The Godfather Of Baptism! – Being Parents

One of the greatest expectations of close friends or the family of new parents is to be the baptismal godfather; it is a joy of living which only the most loved have the privilege of enjoying.

In many cases, as soon as a couple knows they are going to have a baby, they start looking for baptismal godparents. Usually, the choice of godfather is up to the father and that of the godmother to the mother.

Parents are responsible for making this decision; they must make the right choice of the person who will help them introduce their babies to the Christian life.

In addition, it is said that the godfather and the godmother take the role of parents if they are absent. This remarkable appointment is spread over an indefinite period; therefore, it is often difficult to find the right people.

What is the function of the baptismal godfather ?

The baptismal godfather is usually the person who will take care of the baby in case the parents are no longer there. This is the case in some unfortunate situations.

However, the reality goes beyond that. The baptismal godfather is the one who has the duty to watch over the Catholic education of his godson. He must guide him on the path of good by giving him an example. 

In addition, the baptismal godfather must have the desire to belong to the life of the child; he must help him achieve his goals, celebrate his successes and accompany his parents in decisive moments.

The sponsor does not always have to be a relative, as that person will be part of the family anyway  . She should be a firm-minded person, responsible for her actions and interested in  guiding the child to a Christian life.

Baptismal godparents, as well as parents, must then support the education of children in the faith and contribute effectively to their development throughout their life.

Because such a responsibility rests on your shoulders, it is important not to be afraid. You have to be confident and feel sure about the role you are going to take on; in this way, you will achieve it as best as possible and you will be able to accompany your godson on the correct path.

The Church recommends that baptismal sponsors  set an example of living as good Christians and attending Mass regularly. You should also remind your godchildren of daily prayers and offer them religious gifts, such as a Bible or a rosary.

Requirements to be a baptismal sponsor

The Catholic Church requires  in the first place that the person chosen as godfather or godmother is of legal age. This will ensure that she is mature enough to perform this function. However, some exceptions exist.

In addition, she must be Catholic, have received First Communion, have achieved  Confirmation  and lead a life of faith. It would be very difficult to instill in a child a path that we do not know.

Parents do not have the right to baptize their children; let alone a person who has been canonically penalized. They must be believers and not belong to another sect or religious denomination.

“The godfather must be a firm-minded person, responsible for his actions and interested in guiding the child towards a Christian life”.

There is an exception where the parish priest allows the baptismal godfather to be the elder brother, under the age of fifteen. He must have made  First Communion  or be preparing to do it.

This is often a good thing because they live under the same roof and are more involved. At the time of Confirmation of the child, the sponsors can maintain their role or change.

Strategies for Baptismal Sponsors

There are several strategies or activities that can  help the baptismal sponsor perform their role satisfactorily.

First of all,  you can establish good traditions, like rewarding for a good grade, going  out to restaurants on birthdays, or going to the park for a walk.

In addition, during the baptism, the godfather could write a letter to his godson expressing his unconditional support for him and his parents. He must recognize this honorable responsibility and accept it with open arms.

The godfather’s visits should generally be focused on his godchild. The latter must feel important and supported not only materially, but also personally.

What is really essential is to perform this difficult duty with the will to do well, loving and supporting the godson in all his moments, good or bad. The sponsor must be part of the family and participate in the education.