A FEW PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR GODPARENTS
It's a wonderful thing to be a godparent! Being a godparent is more than a title, it comes with great responsibility. As a godparent you are to provide for your godchild a religious example, which is why the Church asks of us to be practicing the faith. On this page we will provide you some practical tips on how to be a good godparent as you accompany your godchild on their journey of faith.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Let us stress again being a godparent is more than a title. Think carefully before you say "yes" to being a godparent. Are you willing to accept this awesome responsibility? Again if you are away from the faith, please consider the very fact you have been asked to be a godparent a sign from God to accept His invitation to return to the practice of the faith.
1) Be present at the baptism (Note: If you are unable to be present because of health or travel a proxy will be assigned to stand in for you. The proxy must fulfill the same requirements of the godparent).
2) Pray for your godchild daily.
3) Send your godchild cards on their birthday, baptism anniversary, Christmas, and Easter.
4) Encourage and invites the childs parents to bring their kids up in the faith...if you notice them slipping, gently invite them to Mass.
A NOTE TO THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO SERVE AS GODPARENTS...YOU STILL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY!
As noted above, we invite you to consider the invitation of being asked to be a godparent as God's direct invitation for you to return to the practice of the faith. We also noted that the role of the godparent is much more than a title or a name on a piece of paper. Knowing that the parents asked you to be their child's godparent means they see something in you.
Even if you are unable to fulfill the Church's role as godparent, doesn't mean you can't play an important spiritual role in that's child's life. The Church desires to accompany individuals on their journey of faith. Consider the invitation! Make it a point to talk to the priest or deacon and find out how you can return to the full practice of the faith. We are committed to serving and accompanying you on your faith journey. Read carefully below what we listed already above...
1) Be present at the baptism.
2) Pray for your child daily.
3) Send your child cards on their birthday, baptism anniversary, Christmas, and Easter.
4) Encourage and invites the child's parents to bring their kids up in the faith...if you notice them slipping, gently invite them to Mass.
Many of these things you can do without having the official title of godparent. We encourage you to become back to the full practice of the faith, because trust us, not only will you help these little ones grow deeper in the faith, but you will find you will as well!