What is the practical role of a godmother?

[cuqui]

My single-mom sister made me godmother of her now teenage daughter. Daughter is not, in my opinion, well schooled in the faith. For economic reasons, they went to public schools and CCD was not taken seriously. They were altar servers for a short while though, but when it was time for confirmation, she refused until we literally just forced her which took 2 years later. She’s now in college and does not go to church or receive the sacraments. My sister thinks I am to partly blame for this because I am her godmother, but the daughter was not an “easy child” to begin with and being younger than my sister, I did not know how to handle children problems. Now that I am older and a parent myself, my eyes are opened and now see that I think it is the primary responsibility of parents to teach their kids about the faith and set the foundation (I am now a parent of young kids myself and I take this seriously). What was I supposed to do back then?

 

[Shin]

Hmm…

Well, I think right now you should have a regular devotion of prayer for her, and send her spiritual gifts, such as quality spiritual books such as those by saints, and other religious objects to help God enter into her life further.

 

[Ed_Normile]

The role of a godparent is to see that the child gets the sacraments and an understanding of the faith in case the parents can’t, as in case they die or are gone, or won’t teach the child. I agre with the above post, pray regularly for her true conversion, she is baptised so already a catholic but she nees to decide to live her faith and these were great reccomendations. Devotional gifts such as a rosary and a blessed scapular maybe a Miraculous Medal or a Crucifix make sure they are blessed by a priest. Call her and ask to visit her one sunday when she has no classes, while there say I have to make mass come with me, as if she has no choice, if you bring your own children if she balks at going say to her, please not in front of the children be a good example for your cousins. Tell her about why you beleive and how you feel about the gifts we know as the Sacraments. Above all pray for her daily, incorporate a prayer for her into your family prayer time.

Good luck and God bless you and yours.

ed

 

[dconklin]

A godparent is there to assist the parent(s) is the raising of the child in the Church. If your sister did not make CCD a priority there is little you could have done to improve the situation. Be the “prayed warrior” the other commenters suggested. It is never too late for your goddaughter to come back. In-fact, catholicscomehome.org/ is a great resource to help her back.