If your godchild's parents are heading for divorce, have the small, baffled child to stay. Realize that many Christian faiths do not recognize same-sex marriages. As a godparent, it is also a responsibility to be present as a mentor and person who desires to be present in a childs life. Baffling if the parents are tricky or super-religious or and this happens surprisingly often jealous of your other godchildren. Sometimes, faith isnt the only requirement. Asking the Lord who His choice of godparent for your new little blessing is, or asking Him to make it apparent to your own heart who will take on the role well. If you want to know about her journey as a blogger, check out out her personal digital journal or her post about failing her way to blogging success. Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. That's the deal. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The duties of a godparent are simple: be holy so that you may help lead your godchild into holiness. Roles of a godparent fundamentally require helping the child in their spiritual journey, but it does not stop there. Mary proceeds to sing a song of gratitude and joy from this great encouragement from her cousin. Her brother, Chris, and his wife, Tara, had just welcomed their first child in May and wanted to name Kaeley godmother. A small part of Genevieves narrative is the quiet role played by her godmother, Lutetia, who cared for her after her parents died. In Christian denominations, a godparent is traditionally considered to be an infants religious sponsor, involved in the childs religious upbringing. It can be difficult to keep a child focused at First Communion through the excitement and celebration. They should always keep in mind, however, that like Lutetia, the godchild to whom God has entrusted them is destined to become a saint. It is a nod to the requirements of their faith and the selection of that person they feel best suited to be their childs godparent. At the baptism youll commit the child to God and the Catholic faith. A priest or minister may also appoint someone suitable if need be. You may fall out with your godchild's parents, which is exactly what happened - very publicly - between Anna Ford and Martin Amis in 2010. Here are a few practical considerations when trying to be a good godparent: Remember your godchilds sacramental anniversaries. Technically, as per most church doctrines, a godparents role continues until their death or the death of the child. Second, one of guidance in matters of character. Now the godmother to her godmothers 3-year-oldshe calls it the god-chain,McDermott said the modern godparent-godchild relationship isnt necessary, but is not without its benefits, a special ticket into the moments of a loved ones life that you otherwise might have missed., Read: How male theologians ruined parenting. Build him a spiritual library. The choosing of godparents and the role to become a godparent is no light matter, it is a great honor that should be taken seriously. Godparents are a beautiful role given by parents for the assistance in raising up their child to know, love, and serve God well. Privacy Policy |Terms of service |Subscription terms |Your ad choices |Cookie Settings |California Privacy Rights |About Us |Contact Newsday |Reprints & permissions |Advertise with Newsday |Help. If, for example, the parents pass away, they may name you as guardian. In some instances, yes. Check her out on Instagram and Twitter, @CallyLogan and TikTok Cally_Logan. This is especially true when parents choose godparents of a lesser age. From the point of view of the Church, you needed to build links outside of your relations, Alfani says. She especially hopes to be a source of educational and professional guidance as they get older, a relationship she wishes shed had. The godparent has taken on the formal responsibility for one particular child. If the godparent is of a different faith, an item celebrating their faith. This is a great way for your godchild to learn and grow, and also share his or her knowledge with others. He has to be the supportive pillar for the child and must show keenness and interest in the upbringing of the child. WebParents should not choose godparents because they feel obligated, or because they think that if they don't ask a certain person or couple that they will be offended. Simply being asked to take on the role of godparent does not mean one automatically takes over custody of a child. WebYour role as a godparent begins at the baptism. Grandparents are always welcomed to be godparents. What matters most to them is something you will always have in the back of your mind. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'momadviceline_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',647,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-momadviceline_com-medrectangle-4-0'); In short, the answer to this question could be anything. Choosing a godparent is not an easy task, but it is one of consequence. While still young, your godchild may surprise you with what theyve already learned, and its a great way to help them take an active role in their own faith journey. But current traditions and norms have fortunately supplanted this aspect of a godparents duties. In fact, godparents may interact with their godchild rather infrequently. Copyright 2023 Newsday. A priest or minister may also appoint someone suitable if need be. As with all things, prudence must take in the circumstances, and godparents must discern how best to live out their calling. There are issues such as location, where the relationship remains alive in theory, but they lose touch. Now she pleaded with the people to surrender their lives to Providence. Anyone can petition for custody in the event of a need for temporary or permanent custody. As Pope St. Paul VI warned, the gap between the gospel and the culture is growing. As for her own duties, she will be present at her nephews baptism, the Christian ritual in which a person is welcomed into the faith, and will promise to usher the baby through a life of spiritualitybut after the ceremony, she plans to assume a more secular mentorship role. Avoid publicising this row in the national newspapers and keep on sending the presents until you can officially shirk your duties. Regardless of parental choice for godparents, always keep in mind the religious preferences involved. Why? These are the ideals sought in a godparent regardless of doctrine. Pursuant to the law of the Church, a godparent (or sponsor) must, in pertinent part, be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on (Can. But for other faiths, your faith may not be an issue. It never ends. Her book, Hang on in There, Girl! The bigger the family, the bigger the network.. Church leaders may frown upon choosing a godparent because they are a favorite relative or friend. WebYour role as a godparent begins at the baptism. Why? As we see in the liturgy, how we act toward certain things communicates their importancee.g., standing for the Gospel reading or kneeling before the holy Eucharist. We are responsible to teach the young what is important -- and what is not important -- in life. However, some may require or request that at least one of the godparents is the same gender of the child. Gartner, who lives in Brooklyn, hopes her kids, now 10 and 8 years old, see their godparents as two other sets of aunts and uncles they can turn to for advice and professional guidance. Although the specific naming term of godparent arose through Catholicism, it is not exclusive to the Catholic Church to become a godparent. Not all Protestant Churches believe in infant baptism, but generally through baptism or child dedication a newborn will be brought forward in the church for a blessing and commitment before God to raise the child in a Christian home. Relaying this to their priest, Chris and Tara were given the go-ahead to name Kaeley godmother. The role of godparent carried a certain prestige. The godparents purpose is to help the child attain heaven. I think all adults should be good examples for children growing up. Outside of that, the expenses of being a godparent are minimal. Im living it, Im treating people right, this is how it works.. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.. Technically, the end of your role comes after confirmation, when the godchild is deemed old enough to fend for itself. If not attached at all, hand over the obligatory silver cufflinks/crucifix/photo frame and slink off after the service. Dear catholic.com visitors: This website from Catholic Answers, with all its many resources, is the worlds largest source of explanations for Catholic beliefs and practices. Her role just changes. Minus the fairy dust and magic, of course. 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. The Rev. 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 7 Tests to See if Your Worship Is Truly Christian or Pagan, 3 Bad Church Approaches to Good Money Stewardship, 5 Critical Rules to Teach Your Kids to Help Them Stay Safe, 4 Things You Should Know about Jesus Revolution, Jesus on Adultery: Its More Controversial Than You Think, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. They help the child know they are a beloved child of God, listen to and pray for them, and celebrate the anniversary of their baptism. To Kaeley, the term godparent is a formalityshes not entirely sure who her own godparents are, so they obviously have not mentored me very much, she says. The official godparent aspect may end at a certain time, but the relationship between the two should continue. You might have bonded by then, though - in which case, bravo! One friend first discovered that her mother and godfather were having an affair over her confirmation lunch, when she spotted him squeezing her mother's leg under the table. The child being baptized is known as their godchild. Be sure to ask those questions in the preparations leading up to the baptism. Brother Eric Michael, guardian, Little Portion Friary, Mount Sinai: I'm godparent to my younger brother's three children. Elizabeth acted as a godmother in support, godly wisdom, and discerning in her own heart what the Holy Spirit was leaning on her heart. Parents benefit greatly from godparents who will be a light and guide, like the candle lit at baptism, to their child. For parents, after a point, their responsibilities to their children change. I'm still lucky enough to have her. Your role as a godparent begins at the baptism. You'll have to buy 'tasteful' (expensive) presents and - be warned - you will be expected to divide your estate equally among them all. Mordecai did not act only as a guardian to Esther in providing housing and food, but spiritually as a godfather to her. Because in the end its about whats best for the child. WebThe role of a godparent Godparents are really special. Help him cultivate a devotion to his patron saint. There is no legal dimension to godparents, Sweetman says. And just as godparents arent required to give anything other than their most valuable assetslove and timeto their godchild, parents as well arent required to gift items to godparents. WebGodparents play a special role in the life of the child. Youre going to be there not only emotionally, but monetarily., But the religious aspects of godparenting are still central for some families. Legally, the law and the permissions granted to you by the parents of your godchild limit your rights. A framed photo of godparent and godchild. They are not just special on the day but special for a childs life, even when they are grown-up themselves. The Bible instructs us to, Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it (Proverbs 22:6). In the modern baptism of an infant or child, the godparent or godparents make a profession of faith for the person being baptized (the godchild) and assume an obligation to serve as proxies for the parents if the parents either are unable or neglect to provide for the religious training of the child, in fulfillment of baptismal promises. Grandparents have the emotional and familial bond to care for their godchildren. But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Your selecting them is a testament to your faith in them as a person, and as a person that you will entrust part of your childs life with. In matters of character the two should continue expenses of being a godparent regardless of parental choice for godparents Sweetman. 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