The Responsibilities of a Godmother in the Catholic Religion
Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments in the Catholic faith. Although an individual can be baptized at any age, traditionally the ceremony occurs during infancy as a celebration of a baby's birth and entry into the Catholic church. According to Catholic Doors Ministry, a godmother assumes responsibility for assisting in the religious education and counsel of her godchild. A godmother must be at least 16 years old, within proximity to the godchild and an active participant in the Catholic faith.
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Play an Active Role in her Godchild's Life
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A godmother must devote the time and attention necessary to counseling and educating a newly baptized individual in the ways of Christ and the ideals of Catholicism. She should live close enough to the godchild to allow frequent contact. Developing an understanding of her godchild's unique person-hood ensures the relationship between godmother and godchild is meaningful and honest, not just a formality. According to William F. Wegher of American Catholic, someone living 500 miles away, who sees her godchild only twice a year, would not be an appropriate candidate.
Embody Catholic Beliefs
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A godmother should embrace and embody the ideals of Catholicism through her beliefs and actions. According to Rev. William Saunders of Catholic Education, someone who has violated Canon Law by using birth control, aborting a pregnancy or divorcing her spouse, or who does not attend church regularly, is prohibited from being a godmother because her actions defy the teachings of Catholicism.
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Share Her Faith
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As a spiritual mentor and role model, embodying the ideals of Catholicism is only one portion of a godmother's responsibility. She must also feel comfortable professing the value of these ideals and beliefs to her godchild with unabashed sincerity. According to Saunders, someone who is ambivalent about certain aspects Catholicism would not be an appropriate religious role model or godmother.
Ceremonial Support
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Before guiding, mentoring or counseling can begin, the godmother must attend the baptism ceremony. Attending her godchild's baptism is an important symbolic and ceremonial responsibility. Ideally, a godmother will remain involved in her godchild's life for many years and attend other sacramental ceremonies, including First Communion and acting as a sponsor for Confirmation when the time arrives.
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References
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