"You have come here to present this child for baptism... you must make it your constant care to bring him (her) up in the practice of the faith ... See that the divine life is kept safe from the poison of sin, to grow always stronger."
- from the Roman Rite of Baptism
Being a Godparent is truly a great and holy duty.
Choosing Godparents
When a young child is to be baptised, the parents (usually) choose Godparents. The name "Godparent" is the more common term in English for "sponsor" (in Latin patrinus ). One Godparent is enough. As Canon Law explains "There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each." (Can. 873).
Canon 874 explains that every Godparent is to be:
- a Catholic (a baptised person who is not Catholic may act as a witness alongside a Catholic sponsor)
- who has been confirmed and received first Holy Communion
- is at least 16 years old (usually); and
- leads a life of faith in keeping with the function of Godparent
Duties of Christian [God-]parents
If the integrity and solemnity of the baptism rite is respected, before proceeding with the baptism, parents and Godparents are reminded of their responsiblity before God. The Church wants to ensure they have full understanding of what they are about to take on and that they choose it freely.
Parents are told of their duty to train the child in the practice of the faith and to bring the child up in God's commandments. The Godparents are asked if they are ready to help the parents in their duty as Christian parents.
Along with the parents, the Godparents are reminded of what will provide them with the grace they need for this awesome duty:
Although some priests at this point invite the rest of the congregation to renew their baptismal promises, this renunciation of sin and profession of faith is addressed specifically to the parents and Godparents, in view of the great responsiblity being given them."If your faith makes you ready to accept this responsibility, renew the vows of your own baptism. Reject sin, profess your faith in Christ Jesus. This is the faith of the Church. This is the faith in which this child is about to be baptised."
"I do!"
At this point, the Godparents, along with the parents, make a solemn pledge before God and the Church and before all present:
Then a series of questions follows, which the parents and Godparents answer to profess their faith in Christ publicly:"Do you reject Satan, and all his works, and all his empty promises?"
Parents and Godparents: I do.
"Do you believe in God, the Father almighty ... do you believe in Jesus Christ, do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church ... and life everlasting?"
Parents and Godparents: I do.
If their words mean anything at all, at this point of the baptism ceremony the key parties have made a huge public act of faith. If they are sincere, this will be accompanied by a great gift of grace, which will make them better parents or Godparents. It will make them better followers of Christ and therefore better people.
Accompanying Godchildren to Heaven
By our prayers and example, please God our Godchildren will learn from us "to keep God's commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbour."
It is a great and wonderful honour to be asked to be a Godparent. It is also a great duty, which is ultimately given by God. Along with this, as with everything God ever asks us to do, He supplies all the grace we need, so that in living up to our God-given responsibilities, we take a great leap towards Heaven, accompanied by those whom He has entrusted to us as spiritual children.
