Godparents: what are the responsibilities of a godfather and godmother? What does a godfather and a godmother buy for a baptism?

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Holy Baptism Day is an extremely important and solemn event in the life of the entire family. What baptismal documents are required for the godfather, and what formalities should the godmother complete? What does the godfather and godmother buy for a boy's baptism and what for a girl? 

In this article, we introduce future godparents to the duties of a godfather and godmother.

What documents are required for baptism for the godfather and godmother?

To become a godparent, certain conditions must be met in the Catholic Church. What baptismal documents for the godfather and godmother should be delivered to the parish where the ceremony will take place?

  • Certificate: Each godparent should obtain a certificate from their parish that authorizes them to become a godparent. On what basis is it issued?

First of all, you must be at least 16 years old and only in exceptional situations may the parish priest consent to a younger person becoming a godparent.

  • Confession: Additionally, the future father and godmother should be practicing Catholics who have themselves received the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation. The godparent of the so-called a baptism witness may be a person of another Christian denomination (e.g. Orthodox religion), provided that the other godparent is a practicing Catholic.
  • Other formal issues: Each godparent should provide the parish with cards confirming that confession has been made. It is also worth taking your ID card with you.

Godfather duties and godmother: what is required from godparents?

Becoming a godparent is considered a great distinction, but it is also associated with many obligations, not only on the day of Baptism itself, but above all throughout the child's entire life. What are the duties of a godfather and godmother, and what should you prepare for?

The godfather and godmother are expected to constantly support the child in growing in the Christian faith, and godparents should fulfill this obligation on a daily basis, setting an example for the child with their own lives and actions.

You should be aware that the duties of a godfather and godmother are more than just that buying gifts for your child on important occasions, but first of all establishing a lasting bond with him i supporting parents in the difficulties of raising a child to be a good person and a Christian. What are the other duties of a godfather and godmother as dictated by tradition?

What does a godfather buy for a baptism for a boy and a girl?, what should a godmother traditionally buy?

In some regions of Poland, it is the godfather's responsibility to pay for the Holy Baptism ceremony in the church. In turn, the godmother is expected to actively participate in organizing the baptism party.

Nowadays, many parents decide to organize everything themselves. However, it is worth asking in advance whether the child's parents expect special support from the godparents in organizing the Holy Baptism.

According to tradition, what does a godparent buy for a baptism? The godfather is responsible for buying a candle (candle), which is one during the Holy Baptism ceremony. Candlemas can be purchased in a devotional shop or ordered in a given parish. We already know what a godparent buys for a baptism. It's time to take a look at the tradition related to the purchases that the future child should make for the child before Baptism Godmother.

Traditionally, the godmother buys special robes for the godson or goddaughter, which are put on the child in church during the baptism ceremony. However, it is worth asking the baby's parents what so-called Do they like children's clothes the most, do they have specific preferences? They may want to purchase robes independently. 

What godfather or godmother I buy for baptism: what souvenir to choose?

Godparents are expected to give a gift on the occasion of Holy Baptism, which will in a special way remind the child of this important day. What does a godparent buy for a baptism? Is it only appropriate to give an envelope with money?

More and more parents directly suggest to invited guests that greeting cards and a freely selected amount of money attached to them will be a very welcome baptism gift. However, what a godparent buys for a baptism should also be something souvenir of Holy Baptism. Unless, after consulting with the parents, they make it clear that they prefer a different gift for their baby, e.g. a feeding chair or a unique toy.

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Anna Milewska

Senior specialist in the Department of Assessment and Cooperation Development, Institute of Mother and Child

What a godfather buys for a boy's baptism: what are traditional gifts?

You can choose a gold or silver chain with a cross, a silver-plated or gold-plated photo frame with the baptism date engraved. What does the godfather buy for the boy's baptism, if he wants to? commemorate the date of the ceremony in a special way?

You can order a painting for your child, e.g. with the image of Mary or Jesus and the date of the child's baptism. Another interesting idea is a personalized album for photos taken during the baptism ceremony.

What does a godfather buy for a girl's baptism?: what gift to choose?

In this case, you can also buy your child a silver or gold chain, as well as a cross or a medallion (more often chosen for girls).

A personalized children's Bible or another beautifully illustrated book with a dedication will also be a great gift. What a godfather buys for a girl's baptism is often a silver or gold bracelet with an engraving, which will be a great gift for the child. a souvenir for the future.

What does a godparent buy for a baptism? both for a boy and for girl?

Particularly popular gifts are silver-plated statuettes in the form of a rattle, pacifier or shoes with an engraving commemorating the baptism date.

These are just some of the duties of a godfather and godmother, as well as selected ideas for a baptism gift. Godparents should discuss all matters related to the ceremony with the child's parents in advance.

 

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