What are the requirements for becoming a godparent in the Church?
The Church requires that the future godparent or sponsor, whether for Baptism or Confirmation, “must be an active, fully initiated member of the Church.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1311) This means that the person received Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. They must be “firm believers, able and ready” to aid the baptized or confirmed in their spiritual growth in communion with Jesus. (CCC 1255 & 1311)
Those who are coordinating or directing the religious education programs in Catholic Churches must explain to the family and the godparent(s) their responsibilities as physical and spiritual guardians over a child or adult. The Church will question them publicly before the Body of Christ (The Church) as to their agreement upon spiritual guardianship over the child or adult. It was recommended in “Sacrosanctum Concilium – The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy” (Vatican II) that “the roles of parents and godparents, and also their duties, should be brought out more clearly in the rite itself.” (Chapter 3, para. 67) Their presence and response before the Church is a response to Christ’s call to be faithful Christians. In special cases, such as mixed marriages, the Church may permit a believing Christian of a denomination (not a quasi-denomination) to be an extra godparent or a witness. (Rite of Baptism for Children, General Introduction, nn. 8-10)
Can you find examples of godparents, sponsors or spiritual guides in Sacred Scripture?
Ruth 1:1-18 - The Story of Ruth who learned the customs of the Hebrew people, believed in the one God with the help of her former husband and Naomi. Ruth took as her spiritual mother, Naomi, never to abandon her, the Hebrew people, and God.
1 Samuel 3 1-8 – The Story of young Samuel, prophet of the Jews and Saint to the Christians, was spiritually nurtured by Eli. Later, Samuel became one of the most powerful prophets in both Judeo-Christian history. Talk about sponsorship, I could imagine what the future would look like if we had a bunch of Eli’s running around.
1 Kings 20:19-21 – The story of the young Elisha who responded to the Prophet Elijah as a spiritual father. Later, Elisha becomes a prophet.
In many ways, the Church is showing us that a godparent or sponsor is to be Jesus for the baptized or the confirmand.
Those who are coordinating or directing the religious education programs in Catholic Churches must explain to the family and the godparent(s) their responsibilities as physical and spiritual guardians over a child or adult. The Church will question them publicly before the Body of Christ (The Church) as to their agreement upon spiritual guardianship over the child or adult. It was recommended in “Sacrosanctum Concilium – The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy” (Vatican II) that “the roles of parents and godparents, and also their duties, should be brought out more clearly in the rite itself.” (Chapter 3, para. 67) Their presence and response before the Church is a response to Christ’s call to be faithful Christians. In special cases, such as mixed marriages, the Church may permit a believing Christian of a denomination (not a quasi-denomination) to be an extra godparent or a witness. (Rite of Baptism for Children, General Introduction, nn. 8-10)
Can you find examples of godparents, sponsors or spiritual guides in Sacred Scripture?
Ruth 1:1-18 - The Story of Ruth who learned the customs of the Hebrew people, believed in the one God with the help of her former husband and Naomi. Ruth took as her spiritual mother, Naomi, never to abandon her, the Hebrew people, and God.
1 Samuel 3 1-8 – The Story of young Samuel, prophet of the Jews and Saint to the Christians, was spiritually nurtured by Eli. Later, Samuel became one of the most powerful prophets in both Judeo-Christian history. Talk about sponsorship, I could imagine what the future would look like if we had a bunch of Eli’s running around.
1 Kings 20:19-21 – The story of the young Elisha who responded to the Prophet Elijah as a spiritual father. Later, Elisha becomes a prophet.
In many ways, the Church is showing us that a godparent or sponsor is to be Jesus for the baptized or the confirmand.
posted by Arthanius | 1:31 AM
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