Some faiths allows for more than two godparents. But over the past half century, American religious views have changed. Do not take sides. But what if you are not a member of that same faith? Does your job as a godparent change as the child grows older? There is no legal commitment here and the godparent is not the legal guardian of the child. The godparent takes on the responsibility as an adult witness to and someone who influences the spiritual life of a young person. Along with the childs parents, youll be present to profess the child to the Catholic faith. This Biblical and Spiritual discernment is an excellent way in which someone can mentor and be present as a godparent. Being a godparent is a religious and/or social role with no legal requirements. Godparents should do what they can to communicate that sacramental anniversaries are worthy of remembrance and celebration. After all, the reason for the celebration is for the well-being of your godchild. I don't think that one's responsibilities as a godparent ever officially end. He has to be the supportive pillar for the child and must show keenness and interest in the upbringing of the child. WebThe role of a godparent Godparents are really special. When godparenting goes right, it's love without the worry, it's rapport without the rows, it's joyful and spiritual fulfilment and someone to visit you in your dotage. As he or she grows and has new experiences, youll be there praying and showing him or her the path forward in the Catholic church. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. You can help with this by: Much like First Communion, there arent specific rules for godparents to follow for Confirmation. Afterward, as time goes on, your role may grow. As with the case of St. Genevieve, there is a tradition that godparents will raise the child if the parents die. Its by no means a light undertaking when considered. Second, one of guidance in matters of character. The bigger the family, the bigger the network.. As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. It is very important not to let the choosing of godparents be a passive or quick decision. I remember a Lutheran minister saying once that he doesn't just see his adult children as children, but as brothers and sisters in faith. Now that I live on Long Island, I call them, write them, inquire about their activities, remember their birthdays. All right, so someone very close to you has given you the nod. Mary was a young teenage girl, unwed and afraid, more than ever she needed a strong and older woman of God to come alongside her.Elizabeth stepped into that role with courage and kindness, and in time Elizabeths son, John the Baptist, and Marys son, Jesus Christ, would later come together continuing the legacy of a holy and godly bond in their family. In fact, godparents may interact with their godchild rather infrequently. WebDo my duties as a Godparent ever end? Rejoice knowing that you were selected because of your personality, beliefs, They should always keep in mind, however, that like Lutetia, the godchild to whom God has entrusted them is destined to become a saint. 4. You may stay in contact forever. It never ends. Youre going to be there not only emotionally, but monetarily., But the religious aspects of godparenting are still central for some families. Cash is king. Many times, the godparents will also be the chosen guardians of a child should something occur (such as the death of both parents) but in modern times this is less common. Thats what I wanted to do for my godchildren., A common misconception of godparenthood is that should the parents pass, the godparents would gain custody of the child. What is expected by the Church is that the godparents exhibit the virtues necessary to flourish in their purpose. Be sure to ask those questions in the preparations leading up to the baptism. This is a deeply ceremonial event. Along with the childs parents, youll be present to profess the child to the Catholic faith. From the time of baptism, godparents help guide their godchilds Christian beliefs. Technically, Catholic canon law still refers to the godparent as the sponsor. Pursuant to the law of the Church, a godparent (or sponsor) must, in pertinent part, be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on (Can. While its certainly a cause for celebration, as a godparent you can help the child understand the significance and true meaning of the occasion. As for her own duties, she will be present at her nephews baptism, the Christian ritual in which a person is welcomed into the faith, and will promise to usher the baby through a life of spiritualitybut after the ceremony, she plans to assume a more secular mentorship role. People move, change jobs, and travel. In those instances, they still remain the godparent. After the initial joy of the situation wears down, youll probably want to know more about your new role. I was an Asian girl raised in the South, where everyone pretty much practiced Christianity, Le says. The musician Helen Le says she was surrounded by Christian principles in Mississippi, where she grew up. Many, if not most situations, where people who have chosen someone to be a godparent out of guilt or obligation, end up being disastrous. My Baby Spits Up Breast Milk But Not Formula, My Strong Willed Child Makes Me Want to Give Up, Today, We Swam (battling hard times with swimming), 9 Strategies for Disruptive Behavior In the Classroom, Small Gifts for Kindergarten Students (31+ Ideas), End of the Year Gifts for Kindergarten Students (Ideas-Easy and Inexpensive), 21+ Christmas Gifts for Kindergarten Students (Easy and Inexpensive), Disruptive Kindergarten Behaviors (Troubleshooting and Tips To Deal With Them), Gumption Traps (A Guide For Teachers and Parents). Encourage the parents to name the child after a saint and entrust the child to that blessed namesake. In the modern baptism of an infant or child, the godparent or godparents make a profession of faith for the person being baptized (the godchild) and assume an obligation to serve as proxies for the parents if the parents either are unable or neglect to provide for the religious training of the child, in fulfillment of baptismal promises. Why? Share the story of the Last Supper, and teach your godchild the importance of the Eucharist. Godparents are tasked with assisting the parents in raising the child to be a saint, but unlike the parents, the godparents most commonly do not see the child every day. One example would be Mordecai in the book of Esther. Shop our entire collection of baptismal gifts. Even though the role is rooted in Christianity, your role as a godparent may be more than religious. If they sack you, then it's because you are dissolute/hopeless. Help him cultivate a devotion to his patron saint. They are not just special on the day but special for a childs life, even when they are grown-up themselves. There are no mentions of legal godparents in the Bible, however there are examples of those who stepped up into a role as a spiritual mentor in lieu of a parent, very much like a godparent. You might have bonded by then, though - in which case, bravo! This also opens the door for non-Christians as well. Are your words of encouragement, faith in God, and of light? Unless you're having an affair with one of the parents, in which case you are excused and can immediately drop all responsibility. The Catholic Beginners Guide to Being A Godparent. Often a child may feel more comfortable sharing about some aspects of their lives they would not share with their parents. WebGodparents play a special role in the life of the child. WebThe role of a godparent doesn't end with the ceremony. Suggesting your godchild mentor a younger member of the church. In some ways, inviting godparents into a childs life creates a larger community as a whole. Finally, dont fret over religion. Let the Lord press in your heart and be open to what He may inspire you to intentionally connect with your godchild. While we cant always be physically present, we can always listen no matter where we are in the world. When I lived near my family in Chicago, I would take my godchildren out to eat, to cultural events, to church, to museums. They are not just special on the day but special for a childs life, even when they are grown-up themselves. Now a godmother to her best friends 2-year-old, Le has reevaluated her own position on how religion intersects with mentorship. Discover more about what it means to be a good godparent here. Read: Baptists, just without the baptisms, By the fifth century, godparents were fairly common in western Europe, says Guido Alfani, an economic-history professor at Bocconi University, in Milan, who studies the role of godparents throughout history. The official godparent aspect may end at a certain time, but the relationship between the two should continue. Pray protection over the child, pray that the child does not fall into harm, and pray that the Lord blesses the child that day. These are the ideals sought in a godparent regardless of doctrine. You can choose to spend as much or as little on your godchild. Have they handled trials and stormy seasons in a godly manner? Praying for your godchild is important daily. And if you cant commit to be a godparent, youre making the responsible decision in declining the honor. Its a serious commitment, meant to stand the test of time. The duties of a godparent are simple: be holy so that you may help lead your godchild into holiness. Moreover, parents may select a godparent based upon his or her character. And always be thankful for your godparents support and love. This is not good godparenting. Anyone can petition for custody in the event of a need for temporary or permanent custody. To Kaeley, the term godparent is a formalityshes not entirely sure who her own godparents are, so they obviously have not mentored me very much, she says. I always wanted them, and since Ive gone off to college, I know people who had godparents and saw them be there for the big moments in life. You should continue praying with and for your godchild and serve as a model for Catholicism as his or her family grows. As such, all the children may be placed together with one godparent or none at all. The godparents should live a life of holiness, in obedience to the Church. At the baptism youll commit the child to God and the Catholic faith. As Americans become less religious, some families are still looking for a mentor for their kids, albeit not a spiritual one. It can be difficult to keep a child focused at First Communion through the excitement and celebration. As the godparent, you will always be guilty. This can be as simple as remembering things they tell you from school, it can look like attending baseball games or school plays, or it can be larger in encouraging a Bible study with the child or bringing them to a Christian event such as a concert or prayer night. Since Christianity holds many denominations, it is quite possible that you will share the duties. As Pope St. Paul VI warned, the gap between the gospel and the culture is growing. Gartner, who lives in Brooklyn, hopes her kids, now 10 and 8 years old, see their godparents as two other sets of aunts and uncles they can turn to for advice and professional guidance. It gets expensive. memories of your babys baptism live on is often the best gift you can give. Other non-Christian faiths have their own godparent-like traditions, and many families in these faiths are being similarly influenced by broader cultural trends. Yes, if your godchild is 40 years old and doing well and following the faith, your job is to take pride in him or her. Baptized Part of His Flock Lamb I think all adults should be good examples for children growing up. WebThe Church of England, the mother Church of the Anglican Communion, retained godparents in baptism, formally removing the marriage barriers in 1540, but the issue of the role and status of godparents continued to be debated in the English Church. And, not having actually birthed the things, you are allowed to have favourites. In some way, it is the community at large that assumes the role of godparent. If it's old enough, give it a drink. Be honored and relish the moment. As the child matures, it will be important for him to see someoneother than his parentswho treats spiritual goods as the highest goods in this life. They evolve with your godchild. It is now far from being a purely faith-based duty. Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Show up swinging a Tiffany bag and make sure you stay sober. You never forget the first time: the thrill of the new, the dawning of the idea that someone wants you, that you're worthy, that you have been chosen. Above all else, loving the child through the love of the Holy Spirit is the role and responsibility of a godparent. Also pray that the Lord will guide and direct you in how to pray for and be there for the child that day. Keep in mind that some churches take the role of a godparent very seriously. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring youth and spending time in nature. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'momadviceline_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',650,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-momadviceline_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); In recent years some parents have opted for a witness to stand with the godparent. I actually have people who come in and for one reason or another want to know if they can have new godparents. Some churches have no age requirement. Meshing faith-based beliefs and secular life isnt always easy. You may serve in the role alone, or the child may have two godparents. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Even if you're a woman. But as your relationship grows with your godchild, you may choose to do some activities together or assist in other ways as your finances dictate. What guides you may be similar to their faith-based principles. In some instances, yes. Your choosing was not to be just a godparent, but a role model. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!. you call them a godparent or a witness, they are fulfilling the same roles. Why? Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.. Religious Landscape Study. 4. This is especially true when parents choose godparents of a lesser age. Because this is a position of responsibility, honor, and trust. WebGodparents play a special role in the life of the child. No, you can't trade someone in for a new one. But it has been customary by tradition. You may stay in contact forever. Theres some spirituality that goes along with family relationships, but in this case, each individual serves a different purpose, she says. Mordecai encourages her in her faith and in the courage of God to act. He was first named godfather at 16 when his first godkidhis cousin, now 22was born. The godparent takes on the responsibility as an adult witness to and someone who influences the spiritual life of a young person. Regardless of parental choice for godparents, always keep in mind the religious preferences involved. As a godparent you can guide your godchild in so many ways outside of their faith. It never ends. Privacy Policy |Terms of service |Subscription terms |Your ad choices |Cookie Settings |California Privacy Rights |About Us |Contact Newsday |Reprints & permissions |Advertise with Newsday |Help. When she is chosen to become Queen by King Xerxes, she is suddenly faced with huge decisions concerning her people. Realize that many Christian faiths do not recognize same-sex marriages. The duties of a godparent are simple: be holy so that you may help lead your godchild into holiness. Technically, the end of your role comes after confirmation, when the godchild is deemed old enough to fend for itself. Parents benefit greatly from godparents who will be a light and guide, like the candle lit at baptism, to their child. This will depend upon the church. It never ends. Only one will serve as the Catholic sponsor, but both may use the title godparent. One of the pair may also be non-Catholic, as long as he or she is baptized and the second godparent is a devout Catholic. But being a godparent does recognize the trust placed in you by your godchilds parents. You'll have to buy 'tasteful' (expensive) presents and - be warned - you will be expected to divide your estate equally among them all. The young woman was well known to the Parisians. The Rev. Simply being asked to take on the role of godparent does not mean one automatically takes over custody of a child. The role derives from the Christian faiths, and is most widely known in popular culture as a being deeply rooted in Catholicism. As a godparent, your godchilds parents may ask you to help make those lines less blurry. The duties of a godparent are simple: be holy so that you may help lead your godchild into holiness. The godparent takes on the responsibility as an adult witness to and someone who influences the spiritual life of a young person. But some do. Gifts, dinners, feasts, and gatherings communicate that this event is important. Are they honest, trustworthy, and do they have an intentional heart for children? Your pastor can share more about the role and expectations of godparents. Her role just changes. More often than not children can pick up on intentionality and sincerity with someone. Is it True for Christians That 'Once Saved, Always Saved'? When her father and mother died live on Long Island, i call them, them! 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