The Role of Godparent

Recently, the question of who can be a godparent has come to me.  Many see it is as an honor to be chosen to be a godparent.  It is an honor but it also comes with responsibility.  To see it only as an honor could be pride.

 The glossary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church defines a godparent as “The sponsor of one who is baptized, who assumes a responsibility to assist the newly baptized-child or adult-on the road to Christian life.” (cf. CCC 1255).  The Code of Canon Law speaks of the role of sponsor for an adult before baptism as helping them learn about our faith before baptism but also in living our faith throughout their life (872).

 The Rite of Baptism for Children calls for the presider to ask the parents:

 You have asked to have your child baptized.  In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training him/her in the practice of the faith.  It will be your duty to bring him/her up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor.  Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?

 To which the parents respond, “We do.”  But it is for the godparents to share in this responsibility when the presider asks them:

 Are you ready to help the parents of this child in their duty as Christian parents?

 To which they are to respond, “We do.”

 If the proposed godparents feel unable to help the parents raise the child in our faith, they should not accept this role.  What might make a person not able to fulfill the role of godparent?  The Code of Canon Law stipulates in canon 874 that a godparent must

 1.       Be chosen by the parents of the child, or in the case of an adult baptism by the person themselves.

2.      Be at least sixteen years of age.

3.      Have already received the Sacrament of Confirmation and live a life of faith.

4.      Not be the parent of the one to be baptized.

*Only one godparent is required is required but if there are two, one must be male and one female.

I would like to clarify #3 where it says “live a life of faith.”  This means the person should be someone who comes to church on Sunday and follows God’s commandments.  None of us are perfect but we are called to do our best.  A godparent is to help instill those values in their godchild.  If they are not living the faith themselves, how are they supposed to help the child do so?

The Church takes the role of godparent seriously.  That is why, when the godparents are not known to the pastor, he can request a certificate from the godparents’ parish to say they are suitable godparents.  It isn’t meant to be a burden.  Being a godparent is not simply an honor, it is a responsibility.  Take it seriously.

Before closing I would just add that the requirements of a sponsor for Confirmation are the same as a godparent for Baptism (Code of Canon Law, 892-893).

Peace,

Fr. Jeff