Pre Baptismal Information Form (Page 6 of 6) in pdf

THE ROLE OF GODPARENTS

To be chosen as a godparent is a special honor. You represent the Catholic Faith Community. You, above

all others, have been entrusted with the responsibility to participate in this child’s Catholic Christian life

and education.

This privilege offers you the opportunity to develop a mutually enriching spiritual relationship – one that will

last throughout this life and beyond.

There are many ways you can nurture this spiritual relationship and become a special friend to your godchild.

Among them are:

Celebrate the anniversary of this holy day of Baptism each year with a visit or a card.

As your godchild grows, listen to and share in the struggles and triumphs of living a Christian

life and keep yourself informed on Catholic doctrine and values to be able to answer questions

as they arise.

Encourage a consistent life of faith through special cards, letters, or gifts, which celebrate

holy events – Christmas, Easter, personal growth events, graduation, first job, engagement.

Participate in, or send assurance of prayer, as your godchild receives the other sacraments,

particularly, First Communion and Confirmation, which complete initiation into the Church

community, and Reconciliation.

Be supportive of your godchild’s parents in their role as the primary religious educators of

their child.

And most importantly, become a model of Catholic living for your godchild, through daily

prayer, virtuous living and active participation in parish life and liturgy, particularly weekly

Sunday Mass.

By living a Christian life in partnership with your godchild, both of you will experience the great joy of sharing

a life of faith. Godparents must meet Canon Law requirements and Diocesan Guidelines, which include that

the godparent

1. be not less than sixteen years of age;

2. be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has received the blessed Eucharist, and who lives a life

of faith which befits the role to be undertaken;

3. not labour under a canonical penalty, whether imposed or declared (i.e. a marriage that is not

validated in the Catholic Church)

4. not be either the father or the mother of the person to be baptized. Canon 874

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GODPARENT’S COMMITMENT

I understand my commitment to the above and accept the responsibility of being a godparent for:

__________________________________________

Name of Child

__________________________________

_____________________________

Signature of Godparent

Date of Commitment

__________________________________

Print Name of Godparent

Pre Baptismal Information Form Page 6