Choosing a Godparent for your child

A godparent/sponsor is a person chosen by the parents and the child who becomes related to the child in the reception of the sacrament.    In making this choice, the church recognizes that your godparent/sponsor is a partner in the spiritual formation of this child/teen.  Make this choice carefully, conscious of their influence, trusting they will act in your best interests and in Jesus’ name.  

The godparent/sponsor stands with the family at the time of the RCIA Rites on April 19, 2009.   The godparent/sponsor needs to be a baptized and confirmed Catholic.  He/she will be required to present a form from his/her pastor attesting to membership and active participation in a parish.   If you have any questions about choosing a godparent/sponsor at anytime, contact Tom Rinkoski.  

Using the attached form, submit information about the person you choose to be your sponsor to Tom Rinkoski at the church office no later than February 1, 2011.  

What the Catechism of the Catholic Church Says…  

“The godfather and godmother..must be firm believers, able to be ready to help the newly baptized – child or adult – on the road of Christian life.”  In addition, the role of a godparent/sponsor is to "see that the baptized and confirmed person acts a true witness to Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations connected with this sacrament." 

The criteria the church asks for is:

• Must be at least 18 years of age; 
• Must be a confirmed Catholic and already have received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion and lead a life in harmony with the faith and the role of a sponsor as mentioned above; 
• Must be in good standing with the Catholic Church; and 
• Must be someone other than the legal parents          

What St. Augustine Church asks of Godparents.

The godparent/sponsor should be someone with whom both the parent and child feel comfortable talking about faith and religion.

What do Godparents do?
   

• Partner with the parents in the preparation of these candidates for the Sacraments. 
• Serve as the godparents in Baptism ceremony and/or as the sponsor at Confirmation of these children/teens. 
• Be present at the Ritual Practice for the ceremony in the church. 
• Be there on the BIG DAY on Sunday, April __, 2011 at the 11:30 am Mass.   Do everything in your power to make it a very special day that is well worth remembering. 
• Remember the anniversary of that special day as it rolls around every year! 
• Pray for your godchild on a regular basis. 
• Be willing to share stories about your own faith development and practice, and listen attentively to theirs. Continue to be a living model of faith for these candidates, keeping up an ongoing communication with them concerning their faith development.