Picking Great Godparents

[cargopilot]

At our age, it’s more than a little surprising to find we’re expecting, but if God wants us to have another, we’ll just have another. Perhaps it’s too soon to think about potential Godparents, but we’ve really got some excellent choices, so why not interview?

What four or five questions would you want potential Godparents to answer? What should be the most important considerations for the ideal Godparents?

 

[ProudArmyWife]

Let me be the first here to congratulate you!

It’s so wonderful that you have so many excellent Godparent choices. Perhaps we (err, I) was too picky because I just didn’t see too many options. So, I never thought about questioning!

I guess the most important question is are they truly being a living example of God’s work and love. Since you know they quite well, I would add and what, in their opinion, is one area they feel they need to improve upon. Now I don’t know if I would actually “interview” but I would get their point of view of things “on the side”.

Good luck, and once again, congratulations!

 

[manilaman]

1. I consider GodParenting a God-given responsibility as a serious matter that I am not quick to accept GodParenting Invitations. Oftentimes, the choice of GodParents is little appreciated by the person most concerned - the Child who had no choice of Parents and again of GodParents. In a sense, parents become doubly responsible for making a RIGHT Choice.
2. In the Philippines, as Baptismal Church Rites and the subsequent Baptismal Parties are occasions for Social Gatherings, the Financial Standing of GodParents become primordial consideration - apart from Family Relationship.
3. In conclusion, I believe that Parents must choose GodParents whom they believe would make good Role Models for their God-given Child - and whom their Child would be at ease to relate with in the future.

 

[Princess_Abby]

I think practical questions are good when seeking out Godparents, too. (Congrats, by the way! How great!)

Such as, if something happened to you and your wife, and your child was still at an age where he or she needed to be catechized further and be driven to mass or CCD, etc, would they be willing to do those things and insure your child is properly trained in the ways of the Church? (assuming these individuals live nearby. If they don’t, to what efforts would they go to find someone local (family or friend) willing to do the practical part of getting your child to mass and CCD?) Will they be sure the child receives all his or her appropriate sacraments?

Are these individuals firmly committed to living out their lives as an example of orthodoxy and adhering to scripture, tradition and the magisterium of the Church? Will they feel comfortable in providing both encouragement and correction if something should happen to you or your wife?

Will they continue a role or encouragement and guidance even into the child’s adulthood? Such as encouraging the child to consider a religious vocation or encouraging that they most definitely be married in the Church when the time may come.

Do the Godparents have a healthy perception of God? Meaning, do they have a concept of God as both an all-loving and merciful Heavenly Father but also know that the Lord is a just God and His commandments are not to be taken lightly?

 

[Island_Oak]

I don’t have a “top 10” list of questions for you, but do you really need one? It seems to me parents of a more “advanced age” would have a big advantage over very young parents when it comes to picking godparents for their kids. For one thing you’ve just been around longer and had the benefit of knowing your friends and family longer and in more varied circumstances. The potential godparent is not merely your old college roommate or sorority sister, it may be a treasured sibling/cousin with whom you have grown closer over your adult years; a co-worker who has supported you or become a mentor; a neighbor or fellow parishoner who who supports and encourages the active practice of your faith, etc. Whatever originally prompted the connection or relationship, you have probably seen this person tested as a spouse and parent; participate in the community; form and maintain relationships and commitments and, hopefully, come through as a shining example of solid morality and compassion.