I was so excited when my sister and brother-in-law asked my brother and I to be godparents to their first child, Xavier. As all of us are practicing Catholics, my sister and her husband wanted to have my brother and I over a "godparent lunch" to discuss how they saw our role as godparents in their child's life and what we understood this important role to be.

At the end of the day, it is more than just a title.

Over breakfast quiche, homemade waffles, and mimosas, the four of us had a very honest conversation. My sister said it was important that we did not just show up for birthday parties, but were to play a key spiritual role in the formation of their son. It was important that we take seriously our role as spiritual mentors for our godchild and to be an active part of his entire life.

I was struck by this intentional way to choose and discuss the importance of the role as a godparent. 

Part of my current role as a Pastoral Associate in a parish is teaching the Baptism prep class for parents wanting to their child baptized. I have seen a lot of different families attend class with varying levels of belief or commitment to the practice of the Catholic Faith. Some know it is important to have a child baptized, but may not see the importance of weekly Sunday Mass or being a part of the parish community. Some may be well catechized and others may not.


You can find some helpful questions to consider and ask your (potential) godparents over here ...




post signature