Godparents
Godparents have a vital part to play in the Christian nurture of children brought to baptism
Choosing Godparents
It is usual to have three
Godparents, two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex, but
one of each is sufficient, and you may have more if you wish!
Parents may be godparents to their own children, as long as there is at least
one other godparent. All godparents must be baptized, and at least two of them
confirmed
Please choose godparents with care. A copy of the letter that will be provided
for each of them, explaining what they are undertaking, can be seen below
(Older candidates may have sponsors, who fulfil a similar role)
A Letter
to Godparents
CONGRATULATIONS on being asked to be a godparent! It is a real privilege to
take on the responsibilities involved - not just for the material welfare of
a growing child, but more important for his or her spiritual nurture. This is
usually a task shared with the parents, and with the church
To help you decide whether you can honestly take on this commitment, here are
the questions that are put to you and the parents during the service
Parents and godparents, the Church
receives these children with joy. Today we are trusting God for their growth
in faith. Will you pray for them, draw them by your example into the community
of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ?
With the help of God, we will
In baptism these children begin their journey in faith. You speak for them today.
Will you care for them, and help them to take their place within the life and
worship of Christ’s church?
With the help of God, we will
The priest then asks parents and godparents, speaking for the children they
present
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God? I reject them
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil? I renounce them
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour? I
repent of them
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour? I turn to Christ
Do you submit to Christ as Lord? I submit to Christ
Do you come to Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life? I come to Christ
The whole congregation then joins you in declaring the faith of the Church,
in the words of the Apostles’ Creed
Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth
Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
I believe in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead
Do you believe and trust in the Holy
Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen
Note -It is unfair - to you, to the child and to
the church - to make such important promises if you cannot mean or fulfil them.
But if you can, you will certainly find being a godparent brings many rewards.
We will play our part in helping you to be a good one!
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