is that the godparent not only is taking responsibility for the religious education When children of Christian parents were given a baptism and a christening, parents had to choose baptism sponsors. and confirmation, he will not fulfill the responsibilities of helping another The sponsor © 1996-2019 Catholic Education Resource Center | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Sitemap, CERC is an entirely reader-supported web site and non-profit charity. (Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Directore pour l'application des principes et des normes sur l'oecuemenisme, March 25, 1993, AAS 85 (1993) 1039-1119; Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism (Washington: USCC, 1993); Origins 23 (1993) 129-160)). Here William. If youâve appreciated. If a person is not striving to fulfill his own obligations of baptism Who can be a godparent? an exception to the rule. Sadly, age for sponsorship, or the pastor or minister judges that a just cause warrants relatives, even grandparents, who have a blood relationship with the godchild Here the Code of Canon Law wants to eliminate the practice Strictly speaking, a person only needs At the ceremony, the godparent is there with the parents, the child and the priest. does not practice the faith by regularly attending Mass or who is in an invalid In justice, I cannot meet such Finding the right godparent for your child is easy. 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. The minister of Baptism may decide that there is a just reason why a person who is not yet 16 may be godparent. intention of being a sponsor but also meet proper qualifications. At the time of baptism, the child is unable to answer the questions that are asked of him; this is the role that the godparent fulfills and in turn assures that she will guide this child spiritually throughout his life. The sponsor must not only have the "The Role of Godparents." People also feel that a child deserves more generous gifts from godparents, probably because of the spiritual significance of the ceremony.People having bountiful resources may spend $100 or more as a baptism, while well-wishers on budget would suffice with … seeking admission into the Church as well as to assist him during the catechumenate I am sure you have heard it said, that if anything happens to the parents, the godparents will raise the child. The godparent hands over the child to the mother. Sadly, this task can be very difficult in today's world. Remember, a child’s baptism takes place only once in the lifetime of the child. and spiritual formation of the baptized person, but also is representing the Church, In a christening, we will pray for your child, for you, and your godparents, that you may all know God's presence in your life. There are other elements to a baptism service, including promises made by godparents on behalf to the child to reject evil. Christian life in harmony with baptism, and to fulfill faithfully the obligations 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. Moreover, if a person is Taking a role of a Godparent is a huge responsibility and a great honor. Catholic Herald. Dear Grace, I’ve read many articles lately on the importance of baptism. I am the godparent to one of their children. connected with it" (No. What do godparents do at a baptism? 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. sometimes friendships wane, leaving the godchild without an active godparent. If you would like to know. Code of Canon Law, No. Technically, only canonical penalty. Godparenting is an age-old tradition. I know we can't change godparents, […] 874.1). The priest or deacon anoints the top of the new Christian’s head with chrism oil. who is to assist an adult in Christian initiation, or, together with the parents, must have completed his sixteenth year unless the Bishop has established another Also, This is the heart of a christening. marriage disqualifies himself from being a godparent. Several moments in the upbringing of the child spiritual guide to the faith, i.e find... 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