St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church

You have been asked to be a Godparent and thus represent the Church as we celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism. 

In saying "Yes" to this invitation, you affirm your readiness to help the parents in forming their child in the faith and to

be an example to the child of what it means to live as a Catholic Christian. The introduction to the Rite of Baptism

 speaks about the godparent's role:

 "In the baptism of children, the godparents should be present to be added spiritually to the immediate family of the one to be baptized and to represent Mother Church.  As occasion offers, the godparent will be ready to help parents bring up their child to profess the faith and to show this by living it."

From this introduction we conclude:

• There is to be at least one godparent.

• The godparents should be present at the baptism ceremony to give public witness for the church.

• The godparents should be ready to help the parents as needed in witness to the faith and in prayer for the child to be sponsored.

 

It is the expectation of the Church community that godparents:

Are mature and practicing members of the Catholic Church.

Have completed their own initiation into the Church by receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

 

A Godparent's Prayer 

Loving God, Creator of all good things,

Thank you for the gift of life given my godchild.

What a privilege it is for me to stand as a witness for the Church

when my godchild is washed in baptismal waters.

Lord, help me to be faithful to you all the days of my life.

 

As my godchild grows in age and faith,

enable me to be a good example for him or her

of how to live as a follower of Jesus.

Through my love and concern, in moments of joy and sorrow,

allow me to reveal your loving face, O God.

I pray this through Christ our Lord.   AMEN.

 

The Role of Godparents

To be chosen as a godparent is a special honor.  You, above all others, have been entrusted with the responsibility to participate in this child's Christian life and education.  This privilege offers you the opportunity to develop a mutually enriching spiritual relationship; one that will last throughout this life and beyond.

There are many ways you can nurture this spiritual relationship and become a special friend to your godchild.  Among them are:

•         Celebrate the anniversary of this holy day of Baptism each year with a visit, a call, a gift or a card.

•         As your godchild grows, listen to and share in the struggles and triumphs of living a Christian life, and keep yourself informed on Christian doctrine and values, so you are able to answer questions as they arise.

•         Develop a faith-based relationship with your godchild by acknowledging sacred events in the child’s life. Special cards, letters, and gifts at Christmas, Easter, and at other sacramental milestones like First Confession and First Communion show that you care about your godchild’s spiritual development. 

•         Personal growth events like birthdays, graduations and other times of recognition and honor should not be overlooked, either. For sacred times, religious gifts are especially appropriate. A Bible, prayer book, rosary, religious jewelry, retreat opportunity, or religious goods gift certificate are wonderful gift items to promote continued faith development.

•         Participate in (or send an assurance of prayer) as your godchild receives the other sacraments, particularly First Communion and Confirmation, which complete initiation into the Church community.

•         Be supportive of your godchild's parents in their role as the primary religious educators of their child. They need your prayer, too.

•         Most importantly, become a model of Christian living for your godchild, through daily prayer, virtue and active participation in parish life and liturgy.  By living a Christian life in partnership with your godchild, both of you will experience the great joy of sharing a life of faith.