What is a "God parent" ?

Archeron

I've been asked to be the Godfather to my brother and his wifes new child, who is expected to be born in early September. I know its generally considered an honour to be asked this, but I homestly dont know what this actually means.

Most people I've asked about this make reference to giving gifts at important milestones in life, and then give some sort of sarcastic comment about being a moral guardian (then they usually laugh), but what should being a God parent actually involve?

nice1franko

nail on the head. presents.

redtom

If anything happems parents of said kid, you're meant to take the kid under your wing

Think that's what I gathered when I was asked to be godfather to my sister's kid

Agent Smith

A Godparent is regarded as a patron saint on earth, who prays for the newly baptised, looks after them spiritually and gives them guidance. The Catholic Church sees Baptism as an entry into the Kingdom of God, and entry into the Church.

I'm a Godfather to a Beautiful 8 year old girl, and altho its an honnor, Its important to look out for the Childs Religous Upbringing.

robindch

Archeron wrote:

I've been asked to be the Godfather to my brother and his wifes new child, who is expected to be born in early September. I know its generally considered an honour to be asked this, but I homestly dont know what this actually means.

Depends on who you ask. Culturally, you're expected to give slightly above-par prezzies to the child for birthday and christmas and generally give a bit more time to them that you do to other people in the family. As redtom said, some people also take it to mean that if the parents die, you'll take the kid and act as parent with your partner, though in reality, this will probably be decided at the time if it ever happens.

If the parents subscribe to catholicism, then the guy in the church will ask you to promise that you will ensure the religious conformity of the kid, or in the words of the catechism:

catholic catechism wrote:

For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents' help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized - child or adult on the road of Christian life.

Basically, your job as a godparent is to ensure that the religion continues into the next generation.

Asiaprod

Hi Archeron
here is a very accurate description of what the role of being a God Parent involves.

Traditionally, the godparents were held informally responsible for ensuring that the child's religious education was carried out, and for caring for the child should he/she be orphaned. Today the word "godparent" may not have explicitly religious overtones. The (particularly) modern definition of godparent is an individual chosen by the parents to take a vested interest in raising a more complete human being. However, godparent is not a legal position, and should the parents seriously intend the godparents to act as foster parents in case of their death, this must be legally specified through the usual means (such as a will).

In the Roman Catholic church, only church members who have undergone Confirmation are accepted as godparents. Someone who belongs to another Christian denomination cannot become a godparent but is known as a Christian Witness, with most of the regular role of a godparent. Non-Christians are not at all eligible to any religious role formalized by the Church. This is based on the view that the godparent-godchild relationship is not something which is just between the persons and God, but a whole-Church event wherein the Holy Spirit dwells.

A Godparent is regarded as a patron saint on earth, who prays for the newly baptised, looks after them spiritually and gives them guidance. The Catholic Church sees Baptism as an entry into the Kingdom of God, and entry into the Church.

PDN

The practice of being a godparent began in the 4th Century with adults, not children. Christians, under persecution from Roman authorities, were concerned about being infiltrated by pagans. A person who wished to be admitted to the church had to have sponsors (obviously committed Christians) who would attest to his faith and act as mentors to assist him in living a Christian life.

Later, when the Church introduced a new practice of baptising babies, sponsors would take the Profession of Faith in the child's name, as well as agree to instruct the child in the faith if his parents failed to do this. Such a sponsor was called patrinus, or "godfather."

So, Archeron, your job as godfather will be to ensure that your niece/nephew grows up in the Catholic faith (assuming this is a Catholic baptism) and to step in if your brother and his wife are lax about this. Good luck.

robindch

PDN wrote:

The practice of being a godparent began in the 4th Century with adults, not children. Christians, under persecution from Roman authorities, were concerned about being infiltrated by pagans. A person who wished to be admitted to the church had to have sponsors (obviously committed Christians) who would attest to his faith and act as mentors to assist him in living a Christian life.

Interesting; I wasn't aware of it. What contemporary sources document this?

PDN

robindch wrote:

Interesting; I wasn't aware of it. What contemporary sources document this?

http://www.catholicdoors.com/courses/godpar.htm

Archeron

thanks all for the fantastically comprehensive answers!