THE ROLE OF GODPARENTS
GODPARENTS PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN THE LIFE OF THE BAPTIZED. MORE THAN CEREMONIAL WITNESSES, THEY ARE SPIRITUAL GUARDIANS ENTRUSTED WITH THE DUTY OF HELPING THE BAPTIZED LIVE OUT THEIR FAITH THROUGHOUT LIFE.
1. Spiritual Support and Example
Godparents are called to be models of Christian virtue. Through prayer, presence, and example, they support the parents in raising the child in the Catholic faith and help guide the child’s spiritual development.
Godparents are called to be models of Christian virtue. Through prayer, presence, and example, they support the parents in raising the child in the Catholic faith and help guide the child’s spiritual development.
2. Requirements for Godparents
The Church sets specific criteria for those who serve as godparents to ensure they can authentically fulfill their role:
The Church sets specific criteria for those who serve as godparents to ensure they can authentically fulfill their role:
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Fully initiated Catholic (Baptized, Confirmed, received Eucharist)
- Living in harmony with the faith and Church teaching
- Not the parents of the child being baptized
- Provide the letter of sponsorship from their parish with the priest signature and
parish seal
3. Lifelong Commitment
Being a godparent is a lifelong vocation. It involves praying for the child, staying present in their life, reminding them of their baptismal identity, and encouraging them in their spiritual walk.
“The role of godparents is not honorary — it is evangelical. They must accompany the baptized child with love and faith through life.”
Pope Francis
Being a godparent is a lifelong vocation. It involves praying for the child, staying present in their life, reminding them of their baptismal identity, and encouraging them in their spiritual walk.
“The role of godparents is not honorary — it is evangelical. They must accompany the baptized child with love and faith through life.”
Pope Francis
4. Representing the Church
Godparents stand at the baptismal font not only on behalf of themselves but also on behalf of the Church. They publicly affirm the Church’s faith, and they pledge to uphold it in the life of the child they sponsor.
Godparents stand at the baptismal font not only on behalf of themselves but also on behalf of the Church. They publicly affirm the Church’s faith, and they pledge to uphold it in the life of the child they sponsor.
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