Being chosen as a godparent or confirmation sponsor is a profound honor and a sacred commitment. It means walking alongside a child or adult candidate as they grow in faith, offering spiritual guidance and support. But what does this role truly entail, and how can you fulfill it well? Father Luis Fernando Valdés, a Mexican priest with a doctorate in theology from the University of Navarra, shares five essential tips to help you become a more effective and faithful godparent or sponsor.
1. Understand Your Mission: Help the Godchild Grow in Faith
Father Valdés emphasizes that the core mission of a godparent is to help the godchild receive and cultivate a new life—a life born from an encounter with Christ. This new life transforms us, making us “another Christ” through the Holy Spirit, and as children of God the Father. The godparent’s goal is to nurture this Christian identity in the godchild, guiding them to live out their faith authentically.
2. You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have: Focus on Your Own Formation
“No one gives what he doesn’t have,” reminds Father Valdés. The first duty of a godparent is self-formation. Build your life on the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: doctrine, sacraments, moral life, and prayer. This formation isn’t confined to a classroom; it happens through everyday encounters, conversations, and shared moments with your godchild. By deepening your own faith, you become a credible witness and a source of inspiration.
3. Make Sacraments and Prayer a Priority
Strive to be a person of the sacraments: attend Mass on Sundays and holy days, go to confession regularly, and live in a state of grace. Grow in charity by caring for others and serving the poor. Cultivate a prayerful soul by learning traditional prayers like the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Rosary, but also develop a personal prayer life, conversing with Christ as a friend. Your example will teach your godchild the importance of a vibrant spiritual life.
4. Regularly Examine Your Own Faith Life
Being a godparent requires ongoing commitment. Father Valdés encourages periodic self-examination: Are you living in accordance with the four pillars? If you find yourself falling short, ask, “What must I do? How should I start over? Where can I receive formation?” This reflection helps you stay on track and humbly model repentance and renewal for your godchild.
5. Choose Godparents Who Will “Share Parenthood”
For parents selecting a godparent, Father Valdés advises that it’s not about choosing your closest friend. Instead, it’s about selecting someone with whom you deeply trust to share your parenthood. When you choose a godparent, you’re saying, “I have such love and trust in you that I am sharing my parenthood with you so that you can help ensure my child lives the Christian life.” This sacred trust should guide the selection process.
Ultimately, being a godparent is a beautiful, challenging vocation. By embracing these tips, you can make a lasting impact on your godchild’s spiritual journey, helping them grow in faith and become a committed disciple of Christ.
