The Important Role of Godparents

The role of a godparent is far beyond just an honorary title. The ultimate task of a godparent is to help their godchildren reach heaven. Baptism is the beginning of life with Christ: “Faith must grow after baptism,” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1254). To grow in faith, we need others to help and guide us.

This role is quite serious and important! Saying yes to being a godmother or godfather is saying yes to support parents in raising the child to be a good and holy Catholic. 

This includes supporting the child into Christian initiation. The Code of Canon Law says that a godparent must be someone, "who will help the baptized to lead a Christian life in harmony with baptism, and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it" (No. 872). 

Thus, godparents themselves need to live in accordance with and obedience to the Church if they are to follow their baptismal call. A godparent simply cannot help a godchild to fulfill the responsibilities of baptism if the godparent is not doing so themselves. 

As representatives of the Church, godparents must attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation, pray on a regular basis, serve the poor, and practice the virtues every day. 

It is essential that godparents live as witnesses to the faith. Here is a quote by St. Pope Paul VI to ponder: "modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses,” (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 41). 

Furthermore, godparents should actively support the spiritual lives of their godchildren. This can be done by praying for godchildren daily and offering suffering up for them. Godparents can celebrate, yearly, the date of their godchild's baptism (and all sacramental anniversaries!), just as we do for birthdays. Providing spiritual nourishment is important. Godparents can do this by gifting books about prayer or the saints, especially a patron saint. 

Here are a few other qualifications to consider: the Church recommends that the godparent at baptism also be the sponsor when the child receives the sacrament of confirmation (though it's okay to have someone else). A godparent must be at least 16 years old and has received the sacraments of initiation (baptism, first Communion, and confirmation).

Lastly, we all have a duty to help the newly baptized in our parish community. We have baptisms somewhat frequently at Notre Dame, so let us pray for all the newly baptized in our parish.

“For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents' help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized - child or adult on the road of Christian life. Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium). The whole ecclesial community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism,” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1255).

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you all the days." (Matthew 28:19-20)