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. If married, the godparent must be married in the Catholic Church or had their marriage blessed by the Catholic … Anyone seeking to join the Catholic Church — catechumen, candidate, even a baptized Catholic child attending a confirmation or religious education class ­­– has a sponsor, someone who helps guide them on their faith journey. In the early years of the Church, it was not easy to become a Christian. The godparents make the responses for an infant being baptized. While the severity of the persecution varied depending on the emperor, seeking out and joining a Christian community was risky. A Catholic godparent can establish a telephone relationship with the child, calling on birthdays, anniversaries of baptism … When the period of Catechumenate is ended, the catechumen may replace his or her sponsor with a different individual, a godparent. Prayer and discernment, discussions with the pastor and attending parish baptismal instructions before commitments are made are important for both parents and godparents. iStock/RenataApanaviciene. Assuming the inquirer satisfied the Church leaders, that individual would become known as a catechumen (from a Greek word meaning “instruction”) and started three years of spiritual formation and instruction in Christianity. Though it is ideal to select two Catholic godparents, (one female, one male) the Church only requires that there be one godparent. 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. If someone has had a principal part in guiding or preparing the candidate, he or she should be the sponsor” (RCIA ritual book, No. Helping the young man or woman make godly and wise decisions in their own path, and knowing that their godparent supports them fully is a great gift. Traditionally a godparent will take part in a baptism or baby dedication for the infant, and make a vow to assume a role in the spiritual development of that child. Are they honest, trustworthy, and do they have an intentional heart for children? It is the responsibility of godparents to show the candidates how to practice the Gospel in personal and social life, to sustain the candidates in moments of hesitancy and anxiety, to bear witness and to guide the candidates progress in baptismal life” (No. How do you choose godparents for your child? One other noticeable difference from the catechumen is that the candidate and sponsor do not actively participate in the liturgical ceremonies included for a catechumen. ), At an infant baptism, the role of the godparent doesn’t end, it begins. According to the Vatican’s Code of Canon Law 874, godparents “help the baptized person to lead a Christian life.” As spiritual advisors, godparents also have a special role during weddings. At times, it may look like giving advice from a Christian perspective on big life decisions, at times romantic decisions, or at times developing relationship to live out life with that child. Godparent Etiquettes. Such an individual is referred to as a “Christian Witness”. When Mary is told she has been chosen by God to carry the Savior she is suddenly faced with a holy and spiritual call that no one had ever faced before, nor will anyone face again in a virgin conception. Godparents. Baptism is the first of the seven Roman Catholic sacraments. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. The sponsor often actively participates in the ceremony by making the sign of the cross over the catechumen’s forehead, ears, eyes, lips, heart, shoulders, hands and feet, which, along with the blessing of the priest, strengthens the person’s senses for his or her new life as a catechumen. Essentially, Godparents play a vital role in the life of a Baptized person, whether infant or adult. In the past, in some countries, the role carried some legal … Every Christian community wanted to share the Good News and expand the number of believers, but at the same time they sought complete candor and sincerity from the inquirer. The use of the term in a child’s baptism evolved into usage in adult baptism. There can be up to two godparents, a male and a female, for a single child. Remember – a Godparent is not just a good or faith filled person. On your part, you must make it your constant care to bring him (her) up in the practice of the faith. Or are they of complaining, hopelessness, or harshness. 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 … But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Sponsors are you and me, regular parishioners who love our Lord and our faith. Dear parents and godparents: You have come here to present this child for baptism. 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. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213. The sponsor specifically attested to the person’s sincerity and moral character. Typically, a mother will choose the godmother and the father will choose the godfather, but that is not a set-in stone rule. Something of these … membership. Have they sought to have a deeper relationship with the Lord, even in their own imperfections and flaws? As a godparent, your first duty is to understand these traditions and respect them. Much of a child’s perspective of Christianity will come from how they see other Christians living, this includes godparents. Are your words of encouragement, faith in God, and of light? It is crucial to ensure the person you choose will take on the role and not neglect it. The role of godparent is an important one in the Catholic church. Again, this is done to ensure that the godparent can indeed serve as a role … This can be as simple as remembering things they tell you from school, it can look like attending baseball games or school plays, or it can be larger in encouraging a Bible study with the child or bringing them to a Christian event such as a concert or prayer night. What Is a Godparent and What Role Do They Play Today? An adult parent made a confession of faith for the child, was the child’s sponsor and provided assurance that the child would be brought up as a Christian. To the first three questions, we reply through our godparents in Baptism. 1311). While the term “godparent” (or godfather or godmother) at an infant baptism is familiar, some of us don’t realize that the person assisting at an adult baptism is also called a godparent. In her free time, she enjoys leading a high school girls’ small group, cooking, and spending time in tree houses. 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.”. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”. Dependent on his or her Christian education, the candidate’s instruction may be less than the catechumen’s. Have they handled trials and stormy seasons in a godly manner? At the end of the Evangelization and Precatechumenate period, the time especially set aside for discernment, the well-prepared inquirers and their sponsors participate in a parish Rite of Acceptance ceremony. There is evidence that children were being baptized in the Church as early as the second century. A baptized non-Catholic may not be a godparent but may serve as a witness alongside a Catholic godparent. Christians were cautious and worshipped covertly. The role is, together with the parents, to present the child for baptism, and to help it to live a Christian life befitting the baptized and faithfully to fulfill the duties inherent in baptism. By whatever name, being a sponsor assumes a special responsibility in the Catholic faith and thus selection is carefully contemplated. When the time for an infant baptism arrives, it is also the time for the parents to select the godparents. This is the most important event of their lives. Baptisms are usually held on the last Sunday of each month, at 12.15pm in the Church of St Joan of Arc. Most people I’ve spoken with have shared that their Godparents had a significant impact on their spiritual growth and interior life. In the reception of the sacraments, including the most holy Eucharist, they have become among the People of God, a Catholic Christian. Developing a relationship from a young age is important so that the child knows the godparent is there for them. All parts of the process are marked by optional or obligatory ceremonies detailed in the RCIA ritual book. A Catholic godparent can send your child books and tapes and videos that will help the child grow in faith. It is widely practiced and honored in many Protestant branches of the church. Traditionally, they offer their blessings of the nuptials and stand as witnesses to the marriage covenant. Whether it is at the Easter Vigil or another time, these elect have come out of the darkness into the light. 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). As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. In the Methodist Church, while broadly similar to the Anglican Church (Church of England) there is in addition a Church appointed godparent with a slightly different role - to keep in touch and provide a link between family and congregation. If they feel accepted and wanted they will feel more inclined to grow closer with someone. 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. It is not simply a sweet, nice thing to be part of, but an obligation. The godparent for an infant takes on a lifetime commitment: Should the parent be unable or unwilling to raise the child in accordance with the precepts of the Catholic Church, then the godparent(s) assumes that responsibility. Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium)” (No. St. Hippolytus (170-237 AD), in his discourse, “Apostolic Tradition” (Cambridge University Press, $31.99) wrote: “New converts to the Faith, who are to be admitted as hearers of the word, shall be brought to the teachers before the people assemble. In modern times the role of godparents remains the same in the root: to encourage a child up in the Lord. Among the early sources of Christian instruction was a book written in the first century called the Didache, or “The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles.” The Didache purports to be an instruction based on sayings of the Lord and given by the Twelve Apostles to pagans who wished to become Christians. The role of godparent becomes official upon baptism of the child in question. The godparent hands over the child to the mother. Approved by the bishop, the catechumen is now known as the elect, and from that point the godparent offers guidance through the days of Lent and participates at the three Scrutinies, the elect’s baptism during the Easter Vigil and in the final period of RCIA, Mystagogy. It is not something to be taken lightly, nor is it something burdensome. 1. Often a child may feel more comfortable sharing about some aspects of their lives they would not share with their parents. 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. … Being a sponsor is a special way to demonstrate that faithfulness, a way to evangelize to the person who has come forward seeking Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. 1255). This change is not obligatory; the original sponsor can also serve as the godparent. However, as anyone associated with a parish RCIA or religious education process will tell you, individuals willing to be sponsors are not always plentiful. Today that chosen one is known as the elect. Prayer is the first step to this. There is wonderful excitement, even a sense of fulfillment, when a Catholic sponsor (or godparent) stands with a candidate or elect during their initiation into the Catholic faith and recognizes the Holy Spirit enveloping them, as happened at Pentecost and the River Jordan. Godparents can – should, even must – pray for a child daily. The faithful Catholics assisting others along this journey we know as sponsors. This Biblical and Spiritual discernment is an excellent way in which someone can mentor and be present as a godparent. 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