However, they take on a different role since usually only children have godparents for baptism. In order to be of sufficient maturity and capacity, the godparent must be at least 16 years of age. Both Godparents must be baptised, and Canon Law requires that at least one Godparent to be over 16 years of age and fully initiated as a Catholic (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation). ... a sponsor, chosen by … First the proxy godparent will have to answer questions with the parents about their intentions to help raise the child in faith, something like: It is possible for a non-Catholic person to be a witness as long as one godparent is Catholic. Read more of his writing at CatholicHotdish.com. The Baptism Ceremony. Regrettably, it’s very difficult in our modern day to find two practicing Catholics, both male and female, who we confidently believe would attend to our children’s spiritual development in our absence. Oftentimes parents would lament over the difficulty in choosing Godparents for their child, because they believed they had to ask a family member in order to avoid inadvertently offending someone close to them. First, Godparents were essential in attesting to the integrity of the individual who was joining the Catholic faith, often because s/he was an adult receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (as in RCIA today). Godparents do not need to be married, but if they are, they must be married in the Catholic Church. Please call the office for dates, times of the classes, and to register. Also, please bring a Baptismal candle and a white bib, stoll or handkerchief. Perhaps Godparents offer a fresh perspective on issues that kids face. Ideally, Godparents should be people who are people you spend time with and trust very deeply, people you know well and recognize as faithful Catholics. My Godparents were always present in my life from infancy onward. During that time, we would discuss the role of Godparents and how to prudently select holy, spiritual role models for their children. You want to approach a person or people who would naturally fit into your family as spiritual parents for your children – not only if something unfortunate or drastic happened to you, but also to mentor and support you when you experience a particular spiritual darkness or aridity. Baptisms are usually held on the last Sunday of each month, at 12.15pm in the Church of St Joan of Arc. What My Aborted Uncle or Aunt Has Taught Me, Living Your Baptismal Mission as Priest, Prophet, and King, How to Make the Most of the Christmas Octave (& Season! At the Baptism ceremony Godparents are asked to promise to support the parents in bringing up the child as Christian within the Catholic community. It’s important to realize that sponsors are people striving for holiness in their own lives. Though the Church doesn’t specify what Godparents must do, it’s ideal for them to remain in close contact with the sponsored child and parents throughout the years. Godparents must be practicing Catholics who are at least 16 years of age and must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Finding a godparent in some circumstances may be difficult. The Baptism ceremony begins with a blessing at the beginning of the 12:30pm Mass, with the remainder of the ceremony immediately following the Mass in the Church. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you who would be solid spiritual role models for your child. The Role of Godparents - Catholic Education. Thus, seating for the child, parents and godparents will be reserved in the front left section of the Church and therefore must be in place before the Mass begins. It is also worthwhile to discuss the lives of the saints. In such situation, we ask that parents speak to either the pastor or the baptismal team member who will be more than willing to assist in any way possible. Parents and Godparents must attend three baptismal classes offered by Immaculate … There are several other considerations. ‘Salvation history in your pocket’: ‘The Bible in a Year’ podcast skyrockets to No. In order to be of sufficient maturity and capacity, the godparent must be at least 16 years of age. The Catholic Baptism ceremony for infants is the very picture of innocence and beauty. The Oil of Baptism is olive oil. A godparent helps the godchild to practice and persevere in the faith. For more information, please visit her website jeannieewing.com. It seems it’s more for the sake of tradition or perhaps, much like at a wedding, it’s more of a visible sign that a person is supporting the parents. Only a practicing Catholic who meets the qualifications of a confirmed Catholic, age 16 or older, and has received the Sacrament of the Eucharist, may be a godparent or sponsor for baptism. Can someone serve as godparent by proxy (stand-in) if the godparent is unable to participate in the baptism ceremony? a non-Catholic Christian may act as a witness, along with a Catholic godparent. Around the year 800 A.D., infant Baptism became commonplace, and it was then that the role of Godparent (or more accurately “sponsor”) significantly changed to what we understand it to be today. The exact details of the baptismal ceremony vary among Christian denominations.Many follow a prepared ceremony, called a rite or liturgy.In a typical ceremony, parents or godparents bring their child to their congregation's priest or minister.The rite used would be the same as that denomination's rite for adults, i.e., by pouring holy water or by sprinkling water ().Eastern Orthodox … Here are some suggestions on what you as Godparents can do to remain a constant presence in the life of your sponsored child: Essentially, Godparents play a vital role in the life of a Baptized person, whether infant or adult. We become members of the Church, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and we are freed from original sin and all personal sins we may have committed. The celebrant anoints your baby with oil on the forehead and on the chest. In a Baptism ceremony parents renew their own commitment to Christ in the Church, and pledge to live out the ways of Christ in their daily lives. A person cannot give what he or she does not have. If a godparent cannot attend the baptism ceremony, a proxy can stand in the place of the … It’s truly beautiful to use the Baptismal candle as a reminder of the joy of welcoming the little one into the Catholic family rather than allowing it to collect dust in a box at the bottom of a closet. Many parents choose two or even more Godparents, however the Church asks that at least one Godparent must be a Catholic over the age of 16 who has received the Sacrament of Eucharist … Traditionally, the one being baptized has water poured over them or is fully emerged in water three times. While there is no water baptism, much of the rest of the ceremony is similar, with promises being made by parents and godparents to support the child in their relationship with Jesus. It’s truly beautiful to use the Baptismal candle as a reminder of the joy of welcoming the little one into the Catholic family rather than allowing it to collect dust in a box at the bottom of a closet. Choosing a Godparent: The day of Baptism is a very special day. This is the fourth column in a series on baptism. ... Roman Catholic Church. Baptism Baptism is the first sacrament we celebrate and one of three Sacraments of Initiation. Ceremony. The matter is the water poured over the head of the recipient. Parents and godparents are present at the Baptism ceremony and promise to take on the responsibility of forming the child in the ways of the Catholic faith. If the godparents were confirmed in the United States, a … Second, Godparents had to protect the doctrine of the Faith from paganism and persecution in the early days. All rights reserved. So what exactly is the role of a Godparent supposed to be? 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