The godparents’ role in a baptism is rooted in the role of the sponsor in the catechumenate that started in the early Church. In the past, the sponsor’s was to attest to the integrity of the person, usually an adult, seeking admission into the Church as well as to assist him during the catechumenate and in living a Christian life. For infants, the sponsors would make the Profession of Faith in the child's name and accept the responsibility of instructing the child in the faith. Around 800 a.d. the sponsors were called "patrinus," or "godfather." Today, we identify the sponsor of a child for baptism as the godparents, but the technical term remains "sponsor."
The Code of Canon Law provides "Insofar as possible, one to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who is to assist an adult in Christian initiation, or, together with the parents, to present an infant at the baptism, and who will help the baptized to lead a Christian life in harmony with baptism, and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it".
The person to be baptized chooses a person to be his sponsor, or if a child, by the parents or guardians choose. The sponsor must meet proper qualifications and have the intention of being a sponsor. The sponsor must 16 years of age unless the Bishop establishes another age for sponsorship, or the pastor or minister judges that a just cause warrants an exception to the rule. The sponsor must be a Catholic who has received the sacraments of holy Eucharist and confirmation, and "leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken."
A person may have two sponsors, one male and one female needs although he needs only one sponsor for baptism. What are the qualifications to be a Catholic godparent? A Catholic who does not practice the faith or who is in an invalid marriage does not qualify as a sponsor. Moreover, if a person is Catholic but antagonistic to the faith and would not be a good example and witness to the faith also disqualifies himself. It is believed that if a person does not strive to fulfill his own obligations of baptism, he will not fulfill the responsibilities of helping another to do so.
Parents should seek good practicing Catholics for godparents. Relatives, even grandparents, who have a blood relationship with the godchild and have kept the faith over the years are usually the first place to look. Although good friends are appropriate, be mindful that friendships wane and could leave the godchild without an active godparent. Godparents should be faithful individuals who accept the responsibilities of being a part of a godchild's life for the rest of his life.
A Christian of another denomination may be a "Christian witness" to the baptism along with the Catholic godparent. The godparent is not only taking responsibility for the religious education and spiritual formation of the baptized person, he also represents the Church, the community of faith, into which the person is being baptized. A Christian who is not Catholic cannot fully attest to the beliefs of the Catholic Church. Conversely, a Catholic can only be a Christian witness for someone who is baptized into another Christian denomination.
Godparents serve a special role in the life of the baptized baby or child, so parents should choose a godparent not just because of a blood relationship or friendship. A godparent should be trustworthy witness of the faith who will help the godchild attain salvation.
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