Congratulations on being asked to be
a Godparent; they
are very important people! It means that your friends or
relations think you'll be a good example to their child. They trust
you to pray for them, speak to them about God and encourage them in
their Christian faith.
What does being a godparent
involve?
It feels like a big
responsibility . . .
I'm not sure I can make these
decisions. What if I've not thought much about my faith and don't
go to church regularly?
Does being a godparent mean I'm a
legal guardian as well?
I'm worried about doing the right
thing on the day.
What should I give as a
present?
What happens in the baptism
service?
After the baptism
service
Building a relationship with
your godchild
Growing in faith:
confirmation
A prayer for
godparents
A prayer for your
godchild
As a godparent, you have a special role. It's about helping a
child to come to know God, encouraging them in their spiritual life
and supporting them in their membership of the local church.
You will be expected to be attend the child's baptism, where you
will make promises to help to bring them up in the Christian
faith.
It's a role that will develop over time, as your godchild grows
up and develops their own faith.
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It is. Have a look at the questions you will answer in the
baptism service. Take some time to think through the commitments
you make when you answer them. But don't forget that the Church can
support you in encouraging and praying for your godchild.
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Most people have doubts at some stage, and no one's asking you
to be perfect.
However, being asked to be a godparent is a good opportunity to
think about your own faith.
Godparents must have been baptized themselves, and it's best if
you are also confirmed. Baptism or confirmation preparation can
help you with your own questions about the Christian faith. It will
also help you to support your godchild in developing their own
faith. If you have any questions at all, why not speak to your
parish priest or another Christian you know.
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No. Your role as godparent is a spiritual one - to encourage and
pray for your godchild. Perhaps you will be asked to be a guardian
too, but that is separate from being a godparent.
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The priest will make sure the service goes smoothly and that
everyone knows what to do and when. Why not ask if there's a
rehearsal or any other preparation you could get involved in?
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The most important gifts you can give your godchild are your
time, presence and prayers, but you will probably also want to mark
the baptism or confirmation by giving a special gift.
Godparents don't have to buy expensive gifts. A simple,
meaningful present is a good choice - maybe something to be used at
the baptism, or a gift to be kept for later.
Here are some suggestions. You'll find many of these at
Christian bookshops and cathedral gift shops. Or ask your minister
for details of local suppliers.
Bibles:
There are many different editions of the Bible. Some have
pictures and simple language especially for children. Some have
presentation boxes. It's worth asking the parents if there's a
version they prefer. Perhaps you'll decide on a children's Bible at
baptism and an adult edition as a confirmation present.
Books of Bible stories:
There are some lovely illustrated books of Bible stories for
children. Why not build up a series over the next few years? You
can always ask bookshops for advice on age-appropriate titles.
Books of prayers:
You'll find a wide variety available, including illustrated and
gift book styles.
A silver or gold cross or chain (remember that
your godchild won't be able to wear this for some time).
A small wooden cross
Drawings, paintings and posters of Christian
stories
An icon or picture
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Baptisms normally take place during a Sunday morning service, so
the church congregation can welcome the child into the Church and
declare their intention to support and pray for the child, parents
and godparents.
When it comes to the baptism itself, the priest asks the parents
and godparents to bring the child to the front of the church or
gather around the font.
Before the baptism, the priest asks you to declare that you
intend to do your best as a godparent. The priest asks you to say
that you're 'prepared to walk with [the child] in the way of
Christ' and will 'help them take their place within the life and
worship of Christ's Church'.
Remember, if you've any doubts you can always discuss them with
your priest.
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The Church may give you a special card to remind you of your
godchild's baptism and the promises you have made. Keep it
somewhere you'll see it every day, so you remember your godchild
each day and ask God to bless them daily as they grow up. Why not
keep an up-to-date photograph alongside the card?
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You're a godparent. Now what? Both you and your godchild will
get far more out of this relationship if you can keep it alive.
Children love to get letters, postcards and emails. Why not send
a card or small gift on the anniversary of the baptism, to show you
care about them and to remind you both of what's special about this
relationship.
Keep in touch regularly as they grow up. Perhaps when they're
older, they'll want to ask questions about faith or Christian life.
If you've kept in touch, they might be able to ask you - and that's
something special.
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Hopefully, later on your godchild will want to make his or her
own declaration of faith at a confirmation service. Confirmation is an
important occasion. Your godchild confirms the promises you made
for them at the baptism service and the bishop leading the service
prays for God's Holy Spirit to rest upon your godchild.
Before their confirmation, they attend a series of classes or
meetings at their local church or school. They discuss what it
means to be a Christian, so they can decide whether to make their
own Christian commitment and how they'll express that in their own
lives.
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Lord God,
I pray that you will guide and support me in being a
godparent.
Give me your wisdom and your love.
Help me to be a good example of Christian living
and keep me mindful of my precious godchild [child's name].
Amen.
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Heavenly Father,
thank you for the gift of [child's name]
and for all the joy he/she brings us.
Be with her/him on her/his Christian journey
so she/he may come to know our Lord Jesus Christ
as Saviour and friend. Amen.
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