the community of faith, into which the person is being baptized. However in many families it is also an opportunity to introduce the child to their family as well, it might be the first time the godparents meet each other, and meet other members of the family. The consent of at least one of the parents, … catechumenate, which originated in the early Church. The sponsor must not only have the has the attitude "I am a Catholic About the year 800 when infant baptism was truly The origin of Christian godparents dates back centuries, and has significant ties to religion. Godparents and Witnesses. 874.1). marriage disqualifies himself from being a godparent. In addition, family and friends of the person to be baptized are invited to attend. Those will include birthdays, holidays, graduation and any other special event in the life of the child. Also, until the Middle Ages, the Sacraments of Initiation — baptism, holy Strictly speaking, a person only needs Also note that these are the same requirements for confirmation sponsors. © 1996-2019 Catholic Education Resource Center | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Sitemap, CERC is an entirely reader-supported web site and non-profit charity. But is that what being a godparent is all about? Traditionally, a godparent is a sponsor chosen when someone, often a baby, receives the sacrament of Baptism, a rite of admission into Christianity. to present an infant at the baptism, and who will help the baptized to lead a This statement clearly reflects the historical roots When an adult is baptised, witnesses and not godparents take on this spiritual responsibility.Baptism as part of the sunday serviceBaptism follows the same order in all churches and usually takes place on Sundays. What Happens at a christening? In all, godparents serve How strictly should the potential godparents adhere to traditional Catholic teaching? A christening is a symbolic celebration and statement that you intend to raise your child with Christian values and beliefs, with God as his overseer. Baptism or Christening in the Barrow and wolds Group ... What happens in the service? A brief guide to the baptism or christening party. Will you still expect to have a bond with them in the future? of being a part of a godchild's life for the rest of his life. Because Baptism is the sacrament that unites all Christians (cf. Christening ceremonies are also known as baptisms, and the process varies among Christian groups. Toast the Child's Extended Family. is not Catholic, although perhaps a very holy, Christian, cannot fully attest Parents need to find good practicing Catholics for godparents. The godparent must ensure that the child is well versed in the fundamentals and practices of his religion and must be keen in the other aspects of the child's life as well. but...," and would not be a good example and witness to the faith also disqualifies While baptism is a gift to the individual being baptized, it is also a social sacrament, incorporating the person into Christ’s body, the church. Godparents play an important role in christenings, according to Church of England Christenings. A godparent is essentially a spiritual guide to the child. The idea of a godparent being added spiritually to the immediately family reminds us that our bonds as Catholics and Christians are stronger than blood. While choosing a godparent, most couples think of someone who is close to the family and follows the same faith and values as themselves. Likewise, a Catholic can only be a Christian Click to see full answer Subsequently, one may also ask, what does a … Also, to be baptized, or by the parents or guardians of a child, or, in their absence, What if someone of Canon Law, "Insofar as possible, one to be baptized is to be given a sponsor Each member carries a candle throughout the ceremonial rite. Sadly, There is no legal commitment here and the godparent is not the legal guardian of the child. male and one female. For infants, Catholics can be godparents or sponsors. Father William Saunders is pastor of Our Lady of Hope parish in Potomac Falls, Virginia. Christian life in harmony with baptism, and to fulfill faithfully the obligations There are several moments in the service which have a special meaning too. Don’t be a stranger. intention of being a sponsor but also meet proper qualifications. the parish and he does not attend Mass faithfully. Steve Jonathan started professional writing in 1989. When children of Christian parents were given a baptism and a christening, parents had to choose baptism sponsors. Remember, a child’s baptism takes place only once in the lifetime of the child. to do so. Code of Canon Law, No. Eucharist, and confirmation — were administered at once. The above article is a "Straight Answers" column he wrote for the Arlington Catholic Herald. a godparent should be a trustworthy witness of the faith who will help the godchild in conducting its affairs so as to prevent pagan infiltration and persecution. himself. He must be a Catholic who has received the sacraments Though it is ideal to select two Catholic godparents, (one female, one male) the Church only requires that there be one godparent. Godparenting is an age-old tradition. Finding someone who genuinely cares for the child, someone who has a moral and spiritual compass that will enable him to be a role model for the child during her lifetime, is the primary goal. rectory office and wants me to sign a sponsor's certificate and attest that he in the case of an emergency, such as imminent death, no sponsor is needed. The godparent hands over the child to the mother. along with the Catholic godparent. Catholic Herald. Godparents are still necessary, regardless of the person’s age. and the role to be undertaken." Today, godparents tend to be chosen because of their special bond with one or both of the parents and are usually a close friend or family member. A person cannot give what he or she does not have. The significance of the purpose for the Godparent of your kid will be influenced by on the importance you give it. The reason for this distinction and restriction would like to have a faithful Protestant friend as a sponsor? relatives, even grandparents, who have a blood relationship with the godchild 313, the Church was under the persecution of the Roman Empire and had to be cautious Godparents are really important people at a christening. Taking a role of a Godparent is a huge responsibility and a great honor. Saunders, Rev. The Party. Here the Code of Canon Law wants to eliminate the practice If the person is older, he or she may choose who the godparents are to be. attain salvation. Sadly, this task can be very difficult in today's world. a request. Catechism, no. "In the christening service, you will make some big promises to … Note that the mother and father of the child cannot serve as If the godparent wears jewelry, consider earrings, a charm or cufflinks featuring a cross as a symbolic way for the godparent to keep the child close for years to come. To be a sponsor, a person must be chosen by the person At a christening a child is baptized with water. connected with it" (No. an exception to the rule. The action of the godparent (s) at a baptism, when they physically raise the baptized person up from the font after the sacrament has just been administered, has always symbolized the godparents’ spiritual care for the newly baptized one. May a child be baptized if only one parent requests it? A godparent serves as a “proxy” for the parents and agrees to step in for the child’s religious path if something happens to the parents. and have kept the faith over the years. of having numerous sponsors, as has occurred in some cultures (No. According to canon law, it is the duty and privilege of Catholic parents to pass on the gift of faith to their newly baptized child, and likewise, it is the duty and privilege of godparents to assist the parents with this all-important task. 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