What Is the Role and Responsibility of a Godparent? 1997) article on "Godparents" states: "Godparents, also sponsors. Mary proceeds to sing a song of gratitude and joy from this great encouragement from her cousin. MassMutual, its employees and representatives are not authorized to give tax or legal advice. Other non-Christian faiths have their own godparent-like traditions, and many families in these faiths are being similarly influenced by broader cultural trends. They may be given responsibilities such as reading prayers at the beginning of services or acting as an adviser during prayer times. The Godfather or Godmother must be prepared to take care of the child if the parents die, but above all, they must support and encourage them. (Confer Vatican II, Decree on Ecumenism, #57.) If they feel accepted and wanted they will feel more inclined to grow closer with someone. As canon 872 states, godparents are to help the newly baptized to live a Christian life and faithfully to fulfill the duties inherent in baptism. Godparents' Roles and Responsibilities Together with the parents, the godparents are to present the infant at the baptism and help to lead the child to a Christian way of life. If you wish to name non-religious godparents, you may name as many as you wish. All godparents and sponsors need to have undergone their own Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation. A: There is no specific number of godparents to have, but godparents should be people who love and care for your children like family. It is important to consider whether you want the godparent to play a religious role and to what extent. Choosing godparents is one of the most important decisions that expecting parents have to make. However, the more modern role is up to the parents and those they choose. Therefore,godparents need to have a good relationship with the child and their parents too! Pay for a meeting with a financial professional. When you have godparents for your child, it is important to celebrate with them. Money and children: Teaching by age groups, Possible college gifting moves for your grandchildren, 7 financial gifts for the college graduate, ________________________________________________. Duties of a Godmother Duty #1 As mentioned earlier, the first and foremost duty of a godmother is to sponsor the baptism of the child. The term godparent never appears in the Bibletheologians suggest the term originated around the time that infant baptism came into practicebut it is rooted in cultural tradition. The bigger the family, the bigger the network.. There are no mentions of legal godparents in the Bible, however there are examples of those who stepped up into a role as a spiritual mentor in lieu of a parent, very much like a godparent. This is something theologians thought allowed [us] to build a society in which all individuals were more connected, independent of the fact that they belong to this or that group.. In the course of the Christening ceremony of the godchild, godparents are required to make some promises in response to certain questions like whether they will pray for the child, care for them, turn away from things that are against God on behalf of the child and turn towards Jesus on their behalf. You should consider the financial capabilities of the godparents if you wish to assign any financial roles and responsibilities to them. You might also consider talking with other godparents who have had conversations about expectations with their own godchilds family members. You will be at the baby's christening and perhaps take part in the ceremony. Are your words of encouragement, faith in God, and of light? By Amy Fontinelle The information on this website is of a general nature and available for educational purposes only and your doctor. Therefore, each parent should choose a godparent not just because of a blood relationship or friendship; rather, a godparent should be a trustworthy witness of the faith who will help the godchild attain salvation. While all these considerations are of utmost importance, it is also necessary to think about who your child can look up to as an advisor, a role model or a guide and who will take care of your child in your absence. In Catholic baptisms, godparents are typically referred to as sponsors. Mordecai encourages her in her faith and in the courage of God to act. When she is chosen to become Queen by King Xerxes, she is suddenly faced with huge decisions concerning her people. The responsibilities vary and depend on the godparent-godchild relationship. They may even have "aunts" who are just close friends of their parents. What are the duties of the godparents? Greek Orthodox godparents may also be expected to: Even those who are not religious appreciate the meaning behind godparents' roles. Another example would be Elizabeth, the cousin of Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ. Much of a childs perspective of Christianity will come from how they see other Christians living, this includes godparents. He was first named godfather at 16 when his first godkidhis cousin, now 22was born. 529s underutilized by many college savers, Gifting life insurance for kids: 3 reasons, Meeting your financial professional for the first time, Custodial accounts and Coverdells: How to use them. These tips will help get your baby back to sleep so that you can get some much-needed shut-eye! The godparent should be willing to accept the responsibility of assisting the parents in developing the childs faith life. However, the more modern role is up to the parents and those they choose. Whether to follow such a tradition is at the parents' discretion. It not just infants, but the godparent also is a major part of adult baptism. Godparents may start a college fund for their godchild, send money in the cards they send for special occasions, pay for the item required while performing religious ceremonies, purchase gifts for religious ceremonies or purchase Easter baskets every year. There are many ways to give that special child in your life a leg up financially. I was an Asian girl raised in the South, where everyone pretty much practiced Christianity, Le says. Had that been known, the parents might have made different choiceschoices that could have benefited the whole family. In theory, godparents could be guardians if the correct channels are followed, but this is separate from naming a godparent. Take the child to Holy Communion three times, Participate in teaching the child about the Orthodox faith. Praying for your godchild is important daily. Create your own virtual vision board to get inspired for tomorrow. Sullivan explained that if she were meeting with a recent grad, she would advise them to start saving 10 percent of their income, no matter how little that might be, until they have at least three months worth of expenses set aside. As with the case of St. Genevieve, there is a tradition that godparents will raise the child if the parents die. In both religious and civil views, a godparent tends to be an individual chosen by the parents to take an interest in the child's upbringing and personal development, to offer mentorship or claim legal guardianship of the child if anything should happen to the parents. Godparents have higher expectations to do more than show up on godchildrens special days. Keeping your sights set on your overall goals can help you pursue them and prioritize financial wellness. In Latino culture, godparents are expected to serve as an intermediary if/when their godchild and the parents go through difficult phases with one another. Many godparents find this title more open-ended and less restrictive than other roles, allowing them to choose their own responsibilities without feeling as though they must be religious to fulfill certain expectations. The choosing of godparents and the role to become a godparent is no light matter, it is a great honor that should be taken seriously. They may depend on the particular faith and Church of the parents. It will be greatly appreciated and in some cultures, even appropriate. However, being part of a particular religious order is not mandatory for you to be able to appoint a godparent. How to use godparent in a sentence. Visits from a godparent should generally focus on the child. Pray protection over the child, pray that the child does not fall into harm, and pray that the Lord blesses the child that day. They may be influenced by the parents' faith and church. A Catholic baptism is built upon an arr, Guatemalan Family Life: Exploring Roles & Traditions, Guatemala is a beautiful country. Still, Maya Flinn, who lives in Providence, Rhode Island, says she would raise her two godchildrenher 12-year-old niece and the 4-year-old son of her childhood friendif anything were to happen to the parents. The godparent should be available and able to communicate with you about your child. While godparents are not the legal guardians of their godchild, they may be named so. There is no singularly accepted set of godparent duties or rules, but there are many common guidelines and suggestions for godparents to adhere to. The main nonreligious roles and duties of godparents primarily involve being a positive and present support system for the child throughout the entirety of their life. godparent, formally sponsor (from Latin spondere, "to promise"), masculine godfather, feminine godmother, in Christianity, one who stands surety for another in the rite of baptism. This is where the question of choosing a godparent comes up. They may also be asked to provide advice about religious matters or to host a party for the child's introduction to society. While planning her sons bris, a Jewish circumcision ceremony that takes place eight days after a baby boy is born, Elana Gartner was told by the professionals performing it to select godparents. Additionally, a Christian witness may be requested by the parents, but there must be a Catholic godparent. The Sponsor must be an Orthodox Christian. Be aware that a trust may increase the complexity and cost depending on structure and who is named as trustee, he added. When Elizabeth heard Marys greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. There are several ways in which godparents are useful at a catholic wedding. For example, some may ask godchildren what support would be most helpful throughout their lives, while others create separate contracts that outline godparent responsibilities. Godparents can be family members or close friends, but they are expected to act as any family would. The musician Helen Le says she was surrounded by Christian principles in Mississippi, where she grew up. Religious Landscape Study. (Learn more: Section 529 Plans). Historically, it held more social weight than spiritual, says Bernadette Sweetman, a postdoctoral researcher in adult religious education and faith development at Dublin City University. This means being involved in your godchilds life attending school plays or sporting events, meeting teachers or coaches. I'm good looking and muscular, and get hit on by older females. Weigh your options carefully, and perhaps consult your own financial professional for guidance. Get information and advice from a MassMutual financial professional near you. (Learn more: Gifting life insurance for kids: 3 reasons). Some ways godparents might contribute financially to a child's life include: Starting a college fund or purchasing savings bonds for their godchild Sometimes a gift such as gold jewelry or a rosary is expected for the child. Where non-religious godparents are concerned, the role and responsibilities of the Godparent will be determined by: Parents can determine what they expect from the godparent of their child and lay it out in clear terms before they ask someone to be the godparent. Q: Can godparents take your godchild if you die? 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