Asking someone to be a godparent
Are you planning to ask someone to be a godparent for your child's upcoming christening? You could just ask, but you can also get the
little one to ask
him or
her for you in a unique way. How? What about a dummy with the text: Will you be my godmother? or: will you be my godfather? In addition to dummies, we also have baby rompers, boxes of chocolates and even engraved glasses. You can add the name of the godparent to any item to make it a really personal gift!
The official meaning of godparent
A godparent is formally known as a sponsor, which comes from the Latin spondere, “to promise”. The godfather and godmother are roles associated with baptism in the (Catholic) church. The church has a number of rules for godparents. For example, the godparent must be Catholic, have had a Confirmation and received their First Communion. They must also live in accordance with the faith. In English the name 'guideparent' may also be given to these people. Traditionally, the roles of godfather and godmother are often assigned to relatives such as the christened child's uncles and aunts.
The role of a godparent
The godfather and godmother are - alongside all other witnesses of the baptism - official witnesses that a child has been baptised. The godfather and godmother make a promise during the christening, to help their godchild live a Christian life, especially if the child loses one or both parents. Nevertheless, the roles of godfather and godmother are not legal roles. The godparents are therefore not legally given any additional rights or obligation to take care of their godchild if necessary. As godfather or godmother, you will not automatically become the legal guardian of the godchild. If the parents want this to happen, the parents must include this in their will.
Godparents now vs then
A lot has changed over the years. Many parents ask family members, but friends are also often asked to be godparents, even if the child is not being baptised. But even if a child is baptised, there are often two godmothers or godfathers. So there is no longer always just one godfather and one godmother. In any case, the role of a godparent is an honourable one: the parents trust you and would like you and the godchild to form a bond.
