The Role of Godparents

Godparents serve an important role in the Church. The use of Godparents (also sometimes called “sponsors”) for the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation date back to the very early Church. Since Christians often faced persecution, any new person needed to be vetted and someone needed to vouch for them. The Godparent also served to introduce them to the community and guide them through the multi-year long catechumenate. Today, Godparents are used to assist those who are being Baptized or Confirmed.

 

Godparents continue to play a vital role in the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. To be chosen as a Godparent is a special honor. They are entrusted with the responsibility to participate in their Godchild’s Christian life and education, second only to the parents. The Godparent provides spiritual and emotional support for the Catechumen or Candidate. They pray with and for the Catechumen or candidate & give them encouragement. This privilege offers the opportunity to develop a mutually enriching spiritual relationship – one that will last throughout this life and beyond. This ministry not something to be taken lightly: a Godparent will be an apostle to their Godchild and be an example of living the Catholic faith. 

 

The idea of a “Godparent” as has cultural significance to many people. We see Godparents in many movies, TV shows, and in literature. Even some non-Christians choose “godparents” for their children. It is important to understand, however, that in Catholicism the Godparent fulfils a very specific and important roll. It is an official ministry in the Church that one must be qualified for and appointed to, much like the role of a liturgical minister at Mass. For this reason, a Godparent must be a fully initiated Catholic (received Baptism, Confirmation, and 1st Communion) and be an active and participating member of the Church. (A good check for this is to see if they are living the Five Precepts of the Church—see the Catechism of the Catholic Church #2041-2043)

 

Godparents are chosen by the individual to be Baptized and/or Confirmed (or in the case of children, are chosen by the parents) and are willing to accept the responsibility of presenting the Catechumen or Candidate for the Sacrament(s) of initiation. One or two sponsors maybe chosen. If there are two, one must be male and one must be female. A Godparents is also responsible for assisting the baptized in fulfilling the obligations acquired by the sacrament. To be a Godparent is a lifelong responsibly to help the Godchild live the Catholic Faith. This is why it is so important for the Godparent to be a good example of living the Catholic Faith.

 

Five Tips for being good Godparent:

  1. Pray for your Godchild

  2. Pray with your  Godchild

  3. Remember and celebrate the anniversary of their Baptism or Confirmation

  4. Help them grow with their faith

  5. Help and encourage them to live a sacramental life.

Paperwork required for Godparents

Church Law requires that we verify the suitability of Godparents. In order to ensure that Godparent meet the requirements specified in Canon Law, we ask that Godparent complete the Godparent Application and provide verification of their Sacraments. Godparents should submit:

  1. Godparent application.

  2. a Copy of their Confirmation Certificate

  3. If married, a copy of their Church Marriage Certificate

If you have any difficulty locating these documents, please contact the parish office.

Godparent (Sponsor) Requirements:

(According to Canon Law. See CIC, c. 874)

To qualify as a Godparent, a Catholic must meet all the requirements listed below:

  • A good example of the living the Catholic faith in both spirituality and morality. This includes participating in Mass every Sunday.

  • A practicing Catholic in good standing (fully initiated, and not bound by any canonical penalty).

    • They have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.

    • If they are married, they must be validly married in the Catholic Church (married before a Catholic priest or deacon). If they are not married, they cannot be cohabitating.

      If a couple is not married in the church (or if they are unsure of their status), please have them contact the parish office. We can easily help them bring their marriage into the church.

  • At least 16 years of age.

  • Willing and able to work with the baptized on his/her spiritual journey.

  • Parents/legal guardians cannot be Godparents.  (IB 19, see CIC, c. 874 §1, 5°).

  • A Catechumen or Candidate may have one or two sponsors. If there are two, one must be male, and one must be female. (CIC, c. 873). 

  • Must be registered in their parish for at least 6 Months. They do not need to be a member of St. Nicholas parish (they can be members of another Catholic Parish). However, it is best if they are not too far away.