Every year, as we get closer to the Rite of Election, a lot of questions about godparents start to surface. When we are talking about catechumens, the roles of “sponsor” and “godparent” are different. And just to make things a little confusing, when we talk about infants, confirmation candidates, or baptized candidates for reception into full communion, a “sponsor” is the same thing as a “godparent.”

The best way to understand the difference between sponsors and godparents for catechumens is to realize the role of sponsor is temporary and the role of godparent is permanent. However, the job description of both is very similar. Let’s begin by looking at how we got here.

A brief history of godparents

The origins of godparents can be traced back to early baptismal practices in the first centuries of the church. As infant baptism started to become more common, parents presented children for baptism and promised to raise them in the faith. On some occasions, however, someone other than the natural parents could, by way of exception, present the child and promise to help the parents raise the child in the faith.

Over the centuries, the exception became the rule and godparents came to be seen as “spiritual co-parents” and “spiritual kin.” Today, at least one godparent is required for anyone seeking baptism—infant or adult. But as we’ll see, the role of godparent for adult catechumens is a bit different than the role for the godparent of an infant.

Sponsors along the way

In the catechumenate process, as unbaptized inquirers prepare for the Rite of Acceptance into the Catechumenate, they are given a sponsor by the parish. Sometimes a catechumen’s friend, family member, or other person who supported their initial faith questions might serve as their sponsor. However, if the friend or family member is not an active member of the parish, it is best to also assign a parishioner to serve as a sponsor to the seeker during the periods of evangelization and catechumenate. There is no limit on the number of sponsors a catechumen may have.

To be an effective sponsor calls for certain spiritual gifts: availability, patience, compassion, deep faith, and the ability to listen well and ask discerning questions. The rite says:

A sponsor accompanies any [inquirer] seeking admission as a catechumen. Sponsors are persons who have known and assisted the [inquirers] and stand as witnesses to the [inquirers’] moral character, faith, and intention. It may happen that it is not the sponsor for the rite of acceptance and the period of the catechumenate but another person who serves as godparent for the periods of purification and enlightenment and of mystagogy. (RCIA 10)

That means that at the Rite of Election, the sponsor’s role ends, and the godparent’s role begins.

The catechumen might choose their sponsor to be their godparent or they might choose a family member or friend. Whoever they choose, the catechumen will want to select a godparent who will prioritize this sacred relationship.

Choosing godparents wisely

While the parish usually chooses a sponsor for the inquirers, a catechumen who is preparing for election chooses their own godparent. They may choose two — one man and one woman. The pastor is responsible for determining if the godparents for catechumens are qualified. The rite says:

Their godparents (for each a godmother or godfather, or both) accompany the [elect] on the day of election, at the celebration of the sacraments of initiation, and during the period of mystagogy. Godparents are persons chosen by the candidates on the basis of example, good qualities, and friendship, delegated by the local Christian community, and approved by the priest. (RCIA 11)

Our job as catechumenate leaders, is to help guide catechumens through a discernment process to choose the right godparent.

Catechumens will want to choose a godparent who models discipleship and might be a good mentor.  They want to look for someone who will be a companion on the spiritual journey. Of course, they need to seek someone who is willing to make a lifelong commitment to being a godparent.

The catechumen might choose their sponsor to be their godparent or they might choose a family member or friend. Whoever they choose, the catechumen will want to select a godparent who will prioritize this sacred relationship.

Godparent prerequisites

What are the base requirements to serve as a godparent? Canon Law specifies godparents must be fully initiated and practicing Catholics in good standing, at least 16 years old, and not prohibited by any canonical penalties. Most importantly, a godparent must be actively living their faith and able to provide spiritual leadership.

The duties of a godparent

Now let’s explore the duties of godparents. The rite says:

It is the responsibility of godparents to show the [elect] how to practice the Gospel in personal and social life, to sustain the [elect] in moments of hesitancy and anxiety, to bear witness, and to guide the [neophytes] progress in the baptismal life. Chosen before the [catechumens’] election, godparents fulfill this office publicly from the day of the rite of election, when they give testimony to the community about the [catechumens]. They continue to be important during the time after reception of the sacraments when the neophytes need to be assisted so that they remain true to their baptismal promises. (RCIA 11)

Note that at the Rite of Election, godparents offer “testimony to the community” before the bishop on behalf of the catechumen. This is usually a simple reply (“They have”) to three questions from the bishop (see RCIA 151 B). However, the godparents should know their elect intimately and be able to answer the bishop’s questions honestly. This is not a pro forma response. It is the godparents’ public affirmation about the catechumens’ readiness to celebrate the sacraments of initiation and become disciples of Jesus Christ.

Beyond the initiation rites, godparents provide ongoing spiritual mentorship as the newly baptized enters fully into the church. They assist the newly initiated in embracing a life of Christian discipleship and participation in parish life.

Godparents also traditionally mark milestone dates like baptism anniversaries. They engage in faith discussions, give spiritual gifts and remembrances, and pray regularly for their godchild. This becomes a permanent, lifelong relationship.

Equipping godparents for success

Given these solemn duties, we should provide robust training for godparents on accompaniment and discipleship. Their own faith and spiritual practices should be nourished.

Godparents need a strong understanding of the initiation process and expectations of their role.

Offer feedback and encouragement as godparents grow in this ministry. Share best practices that can help them flourish. Remind them this is a path of mutual discernment with their godchild.

Help godparents grasp that after initiation, they are still essential as spiritual mentors and evangelizers, now for the newly baptized. Equip them for this lifelong commitment.

Embracing the call to godparent

For those considering the godparent call, earnest discernment is essential before committing. They need to be willing to make the catechumen relationship a priority amid other obligations.

Godparents bear witness to the faith by their example. They do this by participatiing actively in parish life. A godparent is a person of prayer with a story to share. It is still too often the case that the role of godparent is given to a relative to solely honor them. While that is a good starting point, we need to continue to set high standards for Catholic discipleship among our godparents.

Many of us spend a lot of effort maintaining contact with the neophytes after initiation. We will also want to maintain an ongoing connection with the godparents through remembrances, conversations, prayers and invitations into parish life. Godparents also need our spiritual companionship.

These expectations for godparents may be a paradigm shift for some families and cultures who have seen the role of godparent as largely honorific. However, godparents are not merely playing ceremonial roles. They are essential companions on the journey of faith. They need our formation and support.

When catechumens are surrounded by committed godparents and sponsors, they will be bolstered in living out their baptismal call. And the church will be renewed through their passion.

Can you help me out?

I’d love to know how this is landing. Can you share a word or a phrase about how this article resonates with you? Does it speak to your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments box below. Thanks for being part of the conversion!