subject: Choosing Godparents For The Sacrament Of Baptism [print this page] Baptism, in the Catholic Tradition, is known as one of the Sacraments of Initiation. It is thus named because it is the first of the seven sacraments an individual receives in becoming a full member of the family of God. However, Baptism is one sacrament shared by all Christian denominations. Symbolically, Baptism represent being "born" into the Faith of Jesus the Christ. In the ceremony itself, the child is baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--the Triune God.
The role of Godparents has roots in the early Church. Until 313 A.D., the Roman Empire persecuted Christians. For infants, the baptismal sponsors would make the Profession of Faith on the child's behalf. The tradition continues today.
Formalizing this first Sacrament of the Church, Baptism of an infant child is normally celebrated with the faithful gathered together as witnesses. They are expected to support the child as he or she grows in the Faith. Among the witnesses present are the Godparents; the male and female chosen by the parents to play a special role in the child's spiritual and religious development. This s a serious consideration for parents, as the role of Godparent does not end at the Church on the day of the Christening, but will extend throughout the child's life.
Godparents are best chosen who will be responsible witnesses of the Faith and who take seriously the task of assisting the Godchild in attaining salvation. They should not be chosen simply because of friendship or family relationship.
The guidance of Godparents endures a lifetime. Therefore, serious consideration should be given in selection a child's Godmother and Godfather. In looking for sponsors, parents must take into consideration whether or not the person being considered for this honor has kept the faith throughout their own lives.
The Roman Catholic Church has a Code of Canon Law which has special requirements relating to Godparents for Baptism (Sponsors.) These are:
- The Godparents cannot be the parents of the person being baptized.
- The sponsors must be 16 years of age or older.
- They must attend weekly Mass and be practicing Catholic.
- They must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- They cannot be in an invalid marriage.
Realistically, a Catholic who is not actively practicing the Faith removes him or herself from being a Godparent. This is a practical result of choices made by adults. If a Catholic person is not willing to fulfill his or her own Sacramental obligations, how can they be expected to help the child to do so?
Often Godparents are expected to participate in Baptismal Preparation classes. Many parishes require both parents and Godparents to attend such classes. These sessions prepare the adults to fully understand their roles in nurturing the Faith of the child.
Often times, Godparents are asked to assume the role of Confirmation sponsors later in life. It is important for parents to choose Godparents who likely have a chance of being involved in the child's life for years to come.
If two practicing Catholics are not available to the couple, then it is acceptable for one sponsor to be Catholic and the other a Christian witness if he or she is a baptized Protestant Christian in good standing.
During the Baptismal ceremony, both the parents and the Godparents are asked by the priest or deacon to assert they are willing too fulfill the promise to bring the child up in the Christian faith. These are serious promises and must not be taken lightly. The Faith formation of a child can only be guided by adult Catholics who take their Faith seriously.
Now that the serious task of choosing Godparents has been made, other decisions come into play. Selecting a proper thank you gift for the chosen Godparents begins. Ideally, the gift selected should reflect to the Godparents your gratitude for their commitment to your child's ongoing spiritual development.
A symbolic expression of the Catholic/Christian Faith would be most appropriate and most suitable. A variety of prayer books and Bibles are available to give as gifts. Many of them feature a dedication page where the parents can write a note of appreciation along with a record of the child's baptismal information. Many companies offer a service where the Bibles or prayer books may be personalized or embossed.
Framed pictures make a wonderful, memorable gift for the occasion of the child's baptism. These frames can be engraved with the child's birth and baptismal dates, as well as the Godparents' names. A suitable Scripture or Psalm noting the sacredness of the Sacrament are also memorable engravings.
A variety of keepsakes, plaques, key rings, and figurines related to Baptism are available in religious bookstores and online. Again, Crosses with Scripture passages would be most suitable. Most of these items can be engraved and personalized.
Also appropriate would be Rosaries, Rosary bracelets and necklaces. Some bracelets come in pairs: one of the Godmother and one for the Child. This represents a beautiful symbolic connection between the child and Godmother and the Catholic Faith. For the male child and Godfather, matching keychains with a spiritual representation would be most appropriate. Both these items would serve as a liftetime reminder for the young infant girl or boy of their Sacrament of Initiation and the commitment of the man and woman chosen by their parents to help them on their journey toward salvation.
