Choosing a Godparent

The role of a godparent in a child’s life is a special one. For many families, it can mean extra gifts at Christmas and birthdays; maybe it is phone calls or outings with a godmother or godfather. Whatever the case, it is a designated role, often fulfilled by a relative, that creates a unique bond. The question that is often overlooked in choosing someone to fulfill this special role is: How is this person going to help my son or daughter grow in the Catholic faith?

I know that many people today have a difficult time finding relatives who are active Catholics. The emphasis oftentimes on choosing godparents is finding a godmother from one side of the family and a godfather from the other. I get that. Choosing someone close to your child is an important aspect of being a godparent; however, there are some qualifications that supersede it.
As with many teachings of the Catholic faith, there are historical contexts for how Christians chose godparents. During the days of persecution in the early Church, a person was chosen who could vouch for the integrity of the person seeking baptism. They had to be very careful to avoid someone who was a pagan infiltrator. This person was called a sponsor. The term “godparent” did not come about until much later in church history and sponsor is still the technical term. In the early church, all three sacraments of initiation were given at the same time (baptism, confirmation, and holy communion) and so it made sense that one person be responsible for guiding the individual in the faith; preparing him or her for being received into the Church and encouraging him or her to grow in virtue. Once infants were received for baptism in the Middle Ages, the role of the sponsor was to accept the faith on behalf of the baby.

Today the Church’s requirements are essentially no different. The sponsor or godparent must be a practicing Catholic who has received all the sacraments of initiation. Ideally, the person picked should be someone close to your family, such as a blood relative. This ensures that the person will stay in that child’s life and their relationship will develop. Only one person is required for baptism, but if two sponsors are chosen, it must be a male and a female.

The hardest part of those requirements is finding someone who is practicing, that is, someone who attends Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days, if married, married in the Church, follows the precepts of the Church, leads a life in harmony with the Church’s teachings and prays for your child.  This person should be intentional at helping your child develop virtue and witness the Catholic faith. Consider asking grandparents who practice or a close family friend.  If no one seems to qualify, not to worry, your parish can provide you with a sponsor. Even if you do not know the person, the responsibility of accepting the role of godparent necessitates keeping a relationship with the child.

While choosing godparents can be confusing with fallen away Catholics or non-practicing relatives, the Church has always required persons who could act as a guide and encourage; a special friend who will help lead their godchild to Heaven.