A Catholic godparent can establish a telephone relationship with the child, calling on birthdays, anniversaries of baptism … Such an individual is referred to as a “Christian Witness”. The role of godparent is an important one in the Catholic church. Dear parents and godparents: You have come here to present this child for baptism. Today’s formal RCIA process has four parts: Evangelization and Precatechumenate; Catechumenate; Purification and Enlightenment; and Mystagogy. Since the godparents’ role is to assist the parents in raising the child as a Catholic, their selection is a very important decision. Therefore, each parent should choose a godparent not just because of a blood relationship or friendship; rather, a godparent should be a trustworthy witness of the faith who will help the godchild attain salvation. iStock/RenataApanaviciene. The Rite of Acceptance marks the catechumen’s formal entrance into the order of Catechumenate, the next part of the RCIA process, which lasts for several weeks. Whether it is at the Easter Vigil or another time, these elect have come out of the darkness into the light. 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 … The terms “catechumen” and “candidate,” closely tied to sponsors and godparents, often need clarification. This change is not obligatory; the original sponsor can also serve as the godparent. 873 There can be only one male or one female sponsor or one of each. Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Monkey see, monkey do is a common expression that carries great truth. By them the person renounces Satan and all his works and pomps; that is, sin and all occasions. 1255). Common, notional responsibilities of the sponsor include attending Mass with the catechumen, participating in some or all RCIA classes, introducing the catechumen to other parishioners, inviting the catechumen to parish events, spending time with them in prayer, discussing Mass readings and participating in the RCIA rites and ceremonies. Godparents must be practicing Catholics who are at least 16 years of age and must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Catholic godparents are asked to provide from their parish priest a SPONSOR CERTIFICATE, bearing the church’s seal, in order to attest to their suitability to serve as a sponsor. Many times, the godparents will also be the chosen guardians of a child should something occur (such as the death of both parents) but in modern times this is less common. During the three-year period, the catechumens were continuously evaluated as to whether or not they were living a Christian lifestyle. Can. A male Godparent is a Godfather and a female Godparent is a Godmother. The godparent hands over the child to the mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. The ritual book explains that “Godparents are chosen … on the basis of example, good qualities and friendship, delegated by the local Christian community and approved by the priest. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.”. Developing a relationship from a young age is important so that the child knows the godparent is there for them. God often provides mentors or godparents even when a child does not have one, but being purposeful in choosing noble and trustworthy godparents is a great gift that can be given to a child. The candle that is lit during every baptism is accompanied by the words: “Parents and godparents, this light has been entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly.”. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.”. The godparents make the responses for an infant being baptized. However, as anyone associated with a parish RCIA or religious education process will tell you, individuals willing to be sponsors are not always plentiful. Thus the role of sponsors was essential. During the baptismal ceremony, the godparent answers the question as to whether or not they understand it is their duty to assist in raising the child. We are told in Luke 1:39, “At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. Whether you're Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, or any other religion, make like-minded friends and discuss religious issues here. Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium)” (No. Roles of a godparent fundamentally require helping the child in their spiritual journey, but it does not stop there. Come alongside the child to let them see and know you desire to be present and active in their lives. The role of the chosen godparents is twofold. 1. This is often a courageous act by the seeker, as some may be rejected by family and friends. Godparents in many ways are like a second set of parents but in a different way. “I do renounce him (or them).” Later on when infant baptism became usual, the godparents often took the role of guardians of the child if anything happened to the parents. The threat of persecution caused the Christians to be careful about accepting others into their community; the fear was that someone could infiltrate and then identify their members to local officials. Some ideas are: to pray for your godchild – talk to God about whatever problems you can see they might be having, or that God would protect them and keep them close to him. Typically, a mother will choose the godmother and the father will choose the godfather, but that is not a set-in stone rule. Traditionally, they offer their blessings of the nuptials and stand as witnesses to the marriage covenant. This comes down to even minding the words you speak. Christians were cautious and worshipped covertly. Celebrating their achievements and being present throughout their lives is the fundamental role of a godparent. If married, the godparent must be married in the Catholic Church or had their marriage blessed by the Catholic … Mordecai did not act only as a guardian to Esther in providing housing and food, but spiritually as a godfather to her. Again, this is done to ensure that the godparent can indeed serve as a role … Baptism of some form is common in many religions, but the baptism of infants and children is most commonly associated with Catholicism and other Christian denominations. Anyone who wanted to join their community was carefully evaluated; in the vernacular of today, they were “vetted.” Each person who came forward, called an inquirer, was always accompanied by someone already Christian, a sponsor, who would vouch for the inquirer. In the past, in some countries, the role carried some legal … Lastly, would you trust your child to learn and grow from their influence? In addition to preaching and teaching, the early inquirer was exposed to a community of Christians and ideally formed into a follower of Christ. This is not to require perfection of the godparent, but is something to keep in mind when interacting with the child to provide an authentic, sincere, real, and honest way of living in what it looks like to follow Christ daily. Many times, one Godparent will be chosen by the mother for her side of the family, or a close friend, and likewise one on the side of the father for a relative or close friend. Are they honest, trustworthy, and do they have an intentional heart for children? Also pray that the Lord will guide and direct you in how to pray for and be there for the child that day. The main responsibility in raising the child in faith falls on the parents. BAPTISM PREPARATION MASS AND GATHERING Before the Baptism, the family will attend a special Baptism gathering starting at the 12:30 Mass the third Sunday of the month. (Note: The term “candidate” is used here to indicate that this person is being considered for baptism; not to be confused with a baptized Christian, a candidate, seeking to join the Church.). Her latest books, Dear Young Sparrow and Unveiled are available on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble. During these ceremonies, the sponsor often stands behind the catechumen, placing his or her right hand on the catechumen’s right shoulder, symbolizing continuing support, confidence and encouragement. Another example would be Elizabeth, the cousin of Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ. A catechumen is a non-baptized person seeking baptism, full communion with the Catholic Church, and is typically entered into a formal course of instruction called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Here, the inquirers are accepted as catechumens and the sponsors verbally affirm their willingness to assist them in their faith journey. All parts of the process are marked by optional or obligatory ceremonies detailed in the RCIA ritual book. The godparent name is entered into the parish record book as the “official” godparent or sponsor for baptism. Certain sponsor responsibilities are identified in the RCIA ritual book (The Liturgical Press, $34.95) as well as by the individual diocese and parish. Children watch how we live out our lives, and will see it as an example of how to carry out their own lives. The sponsor stands with the candidate when the candidate is received into the Church during The Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the Full Communion with the Catholic Church, as well as during any optional or combined parish ceremonies acknowledging the candidate: “At the [Rite of Reception], the candidate should be accompanied by a sponsor and may even have two sponsors. Godparents can – should, even must – pray for a child daily. Baptized, participating Christians of other denominations may serve as a “Christian Witness” and be so designated in the Baptismal Register. 20 Great Bible Verses for Kids to Memorize, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Always, the intent of the classroom and the sponsor is not only to teach the catechumen the tenets of the Faith, but expose them to the Christian life and bring them into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Choosing a godparent is not an easy task, but it is one of consequence. The individual(s) named as godparent(s) must satisfy the requirements of canon law and be approved by the parish pastor. Canon 874 states that to serve as a godfather or a godmother, the following conditions must be met: To have been chosen and to have the aptitudes and the intention to serve in the function of godparent The role of godparents is a high honor given to a man and a woman after the birth of a child. 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