Godparents have a unique and important role in the lifelong faith journey of their godchild. This relationship does not begin or end on the day of Baptism but rather is evident from the parents’ first inviting and choosing, of the godparent(s), throughout the child’s life. During the ceremony the godparent(s) represent the Church community who undertake the responsibility of helping with the lifelong faith formation of the child to be baptized. The godparents role flows from their commitment and promise to represent the entire Church community in this task. As the child to be baptized grows, godparents have the responsibility to continue to provide support and witness for the child as well as encouragement to the parent(s).
Parents are asked to consider the following mandatory guidelines and norms when discerning godparents.
Parents are encouraged to prayerfully discern who they will invite to serve in the role of godparent for their child.