Before you continue reading, it’s important to know that godparenting has little to do with God and more to do with parenting.
Many parents worry about who will care for their children if they aren’t around. Parents want to give their children adequate guidance and direction that will follow them throughout their lives.
At this point, the issue of choosing a godparent arises. While these factors are important, you should consider who your kid may look up to as an adviser, role model, or mentor.
This should be someone you can trust your child with while you are away.
What is a Godparent?
The word godparent is frequently used in a religious setting. It refers to a person chosen by parents to offer their child the rite of entry into Christianity through the sacrament of Baptism.
It is generally a member of a Church community who supports the faith of the baptized individual.
Godparents and their roles are defined differently in various churches. However, being a member of a particular religious organization does not require selecting a godparent.
A godparent may serve as a role model for your child and assist them through life.
How to Choose a Godparent?
When choosing a godparent, avoiding making a hasty decision is important.
Choosing a godparent is more than picking a beloved relative or friend; it’s picking someone who will play a role in your child’s life.
A godparent can fall under any of these sets of individuals:
- Family members are excellent godparents since they may significantly impact your child’s life. You may check whether someone in your family has a special bond with you or your child.
- If your close friends share your beliefs, they can provide a positive example for your child. You should also consider whether your friendship will survive and whether you must ask your spouse to be a godparent.
- If you are religious and want faith to play an important role in your child’s life, you can name a spiritual leader as your child’s godparent. Spiritual leaders generally have strong values, which may be beneficial if you are confident they will not impose their beliefs on the child.
- Many parents choose to identify couples as godparents. This makes more sense if they are familiar with the individuals and their families and are certain they are in a serious and healthy relationship.
Religious Responsibilities of a Godparent
Godparents’ religious obligation begins with their role in Catholic baptism. The parents’ faith and church may influence them.
Godparents are responsible for positively influencing their godchild’s spiritual growth and serving as mentors in all areas of life.
1. Catholic Baptism
Godparents recite the profession of faith for the infant and promise to help guide the child’s faith throughout their lives.
To be a godparent, you must be at least 16 years old, a confirmed Catholic who regularly attends mass, and a practicing Catholic. In this case, there must be at least one godparent and no more than two.
2. Greek Orthodox Godparent Responsibilities
If the child’s parents are Greek Orthodox and want to perform a Greek baptism, the godparents must pay for all the necessary items for the service.
The godparent is required to bathe the infant and wipe off the oil after the child has received Holy Unction.
Greek Orthodox godparents must take the child to Holy Communion three times and teach the child about the Orthodox religion.
They are also to name the child in both Greek and Christian names.
3. Christening Godparent Promises
Godparents are obliged to make specific pledges at the godchild’s christening ceremony.
They would pledge to pray and care for the child and turn them away from things against God.
4. Pray for Your Godchild
It is good to pray for your godchild every day. The Lord knows what is happening in their life, what challenges they might face, and what they will learn.
Pray for the kid’s safety, that the infant is not harmed, and that the Lord blesses the child. Also, pray that the Lord would lead and instruct you on how to pray for and be with the child.
Non-religious Responsibilities of Godparents
A non-religious godparent, like religious godparents, has non-religious tasks and obligations for their godchild that include:
1. Care for the Physical Health of the Godchild
Parents must be present for their godchildren during illness. When parents are unable to care for their child due to illness, they might ask the godparent to take care of the child.
It is also traditional for the godparents to prepare the grave for the godchild who has died.
If neither parent survives, the godparents are expected to care for the godchild if no other close relative can.
2. Being a Positive Role Model
Godparents are like their godchild’s extended family. Setting a good example for their godchild and being a positive and strong role model are important aspects of a godmother’s and godfather’s roles.
They should also try to spend more time with them to have a positive impact on them.
3. Celebrate Special Occasions
Godparents must celebrate important events with their godchild and their godchild’s life successes and milestones since they are essentially extended family.
If they cannot be physically present with their godchild, they must send customized letters or cards to demonstrate that they are always there for them.
4. Develop a Relationship With the Child
Godparents are similar to the second set of parents but different. Children may feel more at ease discussing parts of their lives that they wouldn’t discuss with their parents.
Establishing a bond as a godparent from an early age is important so that the child understands that you are there for them.
5. Be Intentional
Children can sometimes sense someone’s sincerity and intention. They are more likely to grow closer to someone if they feel accepted and wanted.
Being intentional as a godparent is crucial to cultivating the garden of connection with your godchild.
This may be as easy as recalling things they tell you from school. It can be more involved, such as encouraging a child to participate in a Bible study or taking them to a Christian event like a concert or prayer night.
Go with the child to show and demonstrate your willingness to be active and present in their life.
Allow the Lord to speak to your heart and be open to what he may be prompting you to do to connect willingly with your godchild.
Financial Responsibilities of Godparents
Godparents don’t usually have compulsory financial responsibilities.
However:
- It is up to the godparent to decide whether or not to contribute financially to the child’s schooling. It will be extremely appreciated and even acceptable in some cultures.
- Godparents can start a college fund for their godchild, including money in special occasion cards. They can also pay for items needed for religious ceremonies, purchase gifts for religious ceremonies, or buy Easter baskets yearly.
Factors to Be Considered While Choosing Godparents
While deciding about whom to choose as a godparent for your child, here are some factors you should consider:
1. Role of Religion and Faith
Beginning with baptism and christening, godparents have traditionally had a faith-based and religious role in the godchild’s life.
Consider whether or not you want the godparent to take a religious role, and if so, to what extent.
If you say yes, you should think about whether they know enough about your religion to be able to participate in religious festivals.
Including rituals with their godchild while also encouraging good spiritual growth.
2. Role and Responsibilities of a Godparent
You must define your expectations of your child’s godparents so that both of you are clear about your responsibilities.
It may be necessary to distinguish between the responsibilities of a godmother and godfather and consider whether they are capable of carrying out all of their responsibilities.
You should also consider the consequences for your child if a godparent fails to fulfill their responsibilities.
If you want to give the godparents any financial obligations and responsibilities, you should think about their financial capabilities.
3. Godparents’ Lifestyle
Assessing godparents’ lifestyles is an important part of the process since they provide a positive example for your child.
You must be at ease with every aspect of their lifestyle and examine whether they exhibit the qualities of a suitable role model for your child.
Most importantly, you must consider whether any aspects of their lifestyle harm your child’s health.
4. Location of Godparents
Godparents are an important part of a godchild’s life since they must be present to set a good example for the child and celebrate festivals.
If they don’t live nearby, you’ll have to evaluate whether they can devote time to their godchild and communicate well with them.
Being a godparent is a huge but honorable responsibility. Before you decide to take on such a mantle, you should consider some, if not all, of the factors listed above.
Ensure the role of a godparent is something you can handle before saying yes to it. If not, let you NO be clear and precise.
You can also explain why you don’t see yourself fit for such a big position.
