CONFIRMATION

&

GODPARENTS
By Pius Kallang

THE HISTORY OF GODPARENTING 1. What is the origin of godparenting? It is a tradition in the Sacrament of Baptism that goes back as far as the early days of the Catholic Church, maybe even as early as 4A.D. In those days, when families had the intention to become a Christian, the Church appoints someone to accompany them towards the sacrament of Baptism. In the second instance, individuals were instructed and prepared by a friend or someone appointed by the Church. 2. And in those days, the first four centuries, the Catholic Church was under intense persecution by the Roman Empire. To avoid persecution and the infiltration of pagans to the Church, the Church asked sponsors to journey with them
First of all, he protected the Church by authenticating the sincerity of the convert. Secondly, as a catechist, he supported the person as a candidate into the Church.

3. During the first centuries, accent was placed on the baptism of adults. That all changed when the Council of Trent, (1545 - 1563) affirmed that Adam's disobedience not only transfused physical death to the individuals, but also, that all were born afflicted with a sin that is the "death of the soul." "Because of this certainty of faith, the Church baptizes for the remission of sins even tiny infants who have not committed personal sin." (C.C.C. # 403; Council of Trent: DS 1514) 4. In harmony with this new Decree and in consideration of the inability of an infant to speak for himself, more than ever, it became necessary to appoint a godparent who would make the Profession of Faith in the child's name. This same person would also be responsible for instructing the child in the faith, especially if the parents failed in their parental duty. 5. Originally, godparents were called "sponsores," "offerentes," "susceptores," "fidejussores," and "patrini." More specifically Patrini which title I like, which comes from the word Pater which means Father. This titles emphasized that the godparent had been adopted by the Christian parents to protect the faith of their child. Today, the godparent's role has been adapted to the needs of the Church. 2

6. Both, "godparent" and "sponsor" mean the same. They are interchangeable. According to Catholic tradition, while the sponsor of a child for the Sacrament of Baptism is referred to as a "godparent," "godmother," or "godfather," and, adapting to Asian cultures, a child calls them godpa and godma. You call them godpa, and he is your "sponsor." THE NUMBER OF GODPARENTS How many godparents can a child have? According to the instructions of the Catholic Church, "One sponsor, male or female, is sufficient; but there may be two, one of each sex." (Canon 873) No one can have more than two godparents, nor can anyone have two godparents of the same sex. THE OBLIGATION TO EVANGELIZE Why do we need godparents? The Catholic Church teaches us that "the care for catechesis" (instruction in the Catholic faith) under the direction of lawful ecclesiastical authority, extends to all members of the Church, to each according to his or her role. (Canon 774.1) Before all others, parents are bound to form their children, by word and example, in faith and in christian living. The same obligation binds godparents and those who take the place of parents. (Canon 774.2)

THE GODPARENT AT CONFIRMATION "Candidates for Confirmation, as for Baptism, fittingly seek the spiritual help of a sponsor. To emphasize the unity of the two sacraments, it is appropriate that this be one of the baptismal godparents. [Cf. OC Introduction 5; 6; CIC, Canon 893.1, 2]" (C.C.C. # 1311 This message is repeated in the following Canon Laws. "As far as possible the person to be confirmed is to have a sponsor. The sponsor's function is to take care that the person confirmed behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfils the duties inherent in this sacrament." (Canon 892) "A person who would undertake the office of sponsor must fulfill the conditions mentioned in canon 874." (Canon 893.1) "It is desirable that the sponsor chosen be the one who undertook this role at baptism." (Canon 893.2) CHOOSING A GODPARENT Now the time has come to choose a godparent. What should the parent be looking for? When it comes to choosing a godparent, there are some who may strongly recommend relatives (including grandparents). Others may recommend a long-term friend. Both choices have their advantages and disadvantages. What is more important is to choose someone who: can be trusted to maintain a long term relationship with the child; is a practicing Catholic with a deep faith; knows fundamental Catholic doctrines and understands the Sacraments enjoys prayer & is a spiritual model in his words and actions; is prepared to guide the godchild towards salvation; enjoys stability in his life; has a high moral character; enjoys patience and can relate to a child;

would be an exemplary model role. THE ROLE OF THE GODPARENT

1. In both cases, the main responsibility of a godparent is to witness to the Catholic faith by his words and actions. When it concerns a child, he must be ready to accept the responsibility of being a part of the godchild's life for the remaining of his/her life. 2. A godparent must have his eyes fixed on the Lord, believing that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. [Jn. 14:6] Not only must he believe it, he must be prepared to share his belief with his godchild. 3. Within reason, a godparent must be available to his godchild on a continuous basis. He must have a special interest in the spiritual growth of the child. 4. In the absence of the parents, the godparents are obligated to instruct their godchildren in matters of faith and morals. The absence of the parents may be voluntarily or involuntarily. Voluntarily is defined as a loss of faith or simply the parent's neglect of the parental role to raise the child(ren) in the faith. Involuntarily is defined as being prevented from raising the child(ren) in the faith due to death, severe disability, or even long-term psychological or psychiatric illness. 5. For these reasons and possibly more, it is required that godparents be firm believers in the teachings of the Catholic faith, and experience themselves the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit to ensure that they will be able to walk the faith with their godchildren as affirmed during the Sacraments.