I get to be a godmommy! :)

My older sister is going to be having another baby boy. He is due next month. I cannot wait for the day he is born. I have three nephews now, and this new one will make four. I am so excited about this new little one, especially because my older sister asked me to be his godmother and I excitedly said yes without thinking twice. I already happen to have a goddaughter...Noel. She is such a cutie. I was asked to be her goddaughter a little after I was confirmed, and at the time I was not as into my faith as I am now, so I didn't really think much about the role godparents play in the child's life other then birthday/christmas presents, and praying for them... I decided I would look a little more into the whole godparent thing this time to make sure I do an even better job in the early years of my godson's life then I probably did with my goddaughter's... here is an interesting article about the role of a godparent if anyone is interested....


For GodParents

If you have been chosen to be a Godparent, congratulations! The parents see in you a profound faith commitment, find trust and know you are someone who will care about them and their faith. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? It’s not all that complicated, but it does take time, a caring heart and a listening ear. If you’re a practicing, mature Catholic, don’t get too worried.

Being a Godparent is a sacred vocation – a calling, an appeal to live something out in your life. These parents are calling you to be something special for their child: to set an example, help teach their child about the Catholic faith, have a lifelong relationship of prayer, faith sharing and love. Before accepting this invitation, take some time to pray and reflect on your ability to do this.

You should ask, "Can I share my faith unashamedly? Will distance or other obligations prevent me from getting to know my godchild? Am I an active member of my local Catholic parish?" If you are from another parish, you'll probably be asked for a letter from your home parish attesting to your active faith in the Church. Here are a few helpful hints to assist you in being the best godparent that you can be:

Prepare with the parents. The parents have been required to attend a Baptism preparation class to reflect on many of the things mentioned in this article. We ask that you and the parents share the information from that evening! Your willingness to be with the parents at this time says a lot about your willingness to be present to your godchild in the future.

Be there on the "big day:" Be available for the Baptism ceremony. This may even mean missing less important events. Besides saying, "We are," when the priest asks if you are ready to assist the parents in raising the child in the practice of the faith, you will have the opportunity to clothe the child in the white baptismal garment, and to light the baptismal candle. Take seriously the profound yet beautiful words: "Parents and Godparents, this light has been entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly." Later at a family party, you could make a toast or say a meaningful prayer for your Godchild and your role in his or her life.

Don't forget the "big day"! Hopefully you will always remember your Godchild's biological birthday, but don't forget this "birthday" into the Body of Christ. Make a phone call or send a card. Better yet, suggest having a get-together to honor this day each year. Bring out and light the baptismal candle, recalling the Light of Christ burning in the heart and soul of your Godchild. Or, create a photo album to be shared with your Godchild when he or she gets older.

Be a living model of faith. At least a part of what these parents admire in you is your faith! If the way you practice your faith is not what it should, “get it together,” so to speak! If you honestly can’t, this is understandable, but maybe you should decline the invitation to be a Godparent. Your life doesn’t have to become artificially saintly, but your faith should be authentic and sincere.

Pray for your godchild. Keep your Godchild in your daily prayers. The constant prayer of Godparents never hurt anyone! On occasion, take time to celebrate Eucharist or other religious ceremonies together, for it is, after all, the source and summit of our faith lives.

Share the faith that's been shared with you. When your Godchild is young, introduce him or her to a children's edition of the Bible; give them a rosary; find appropriate spiritual books or prayers. Teach about his or her patron or name saint. Attend and offer encouragement at the child's first Communion or share your own faith story as our Godchild approaches Confirmation. Continue your lifelong relationship by participating in other religious ceremonies. Remember, being a Godparent is about more than an infant Baptism ceremony!

Give of your time and share your gift. As the child gets older you may want to spend time together on various activities. This may mean being a prayer buddy or working on a Christian service project. You could also share your own experiences. Let your unique God-given talents and gifts shine!

Write a letter of encouragement to your Godchild to be opened years from now. Tell him/her the hopes you have for him/her. Share with the Godchild times you’ve personally experienced God at work in your life.