Next week, on the first Sunday of June, we celebrate Godparents on Godparent Day! Yes, that’s a thing! Your Godparent may be a relative or a family friend or someone else from God’s family, but whoever it is, we should thank God for them on Godparents Day (and every day!), and pray for blessings on their soul, so that they can do the very important work they have been called to do especially for you!
What is the work that Godparents are called to do? Some people think Godparents look after a child if they are orphaned, but that’s not the case. In fact, a Godparent is simply responsible for a child’s faith formation. Just like parents help their children grow in their everyday life, Godparents are there to help guide their Godchild in his or her spiritual life (not just on Sundays!), along with that child’s parents. If someone’s parents don’t teach them about the Catholic faith, it is a Godparent’s duty to step up and do this. And, just like parents protect children and keep them safe as they grow up, Godparents should also protect their godchild’s faith as it matures. Faithful Godparents pray for their Godchildren regularly, which is something you may not see, but I think it’s the most powerful thing they can do for you!
A Godparent should be a practicing Catholic, which means that at the very least, they must: go to Mass every Sunday, observe fasting and abstinence as taught by the Catholic Church, receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist at least once a year (hopefully more), and give what they can to the Church. Essentially, Godparents should provide real-life examples of how Catholics faithfully live out their vocation to holiness.
I am very grateful for my Godmothers, who have been shining examples of the Catholic faith, who have inspired me to pray, and to reflect on the nature of God, and examine my own life in light of the Catholic faith. They never fail to encourage me spiritually, even to this day!
Nobody is perfect, and some Godparents fail in their duty. If this sounds like someone you know, maybe it’s time to reverse the roles and invite them to participate in the life of the Church! After all, we want everyone to share in the glory of God, especially those near and dear to us on Earth. I remember doing this for my own Godfather before he passed away – I hope we will meet again in God’s courts!
Let’s take this opportunity on Godparent Day to pray for our Godparents. I have posted a prayer for Godparents below!
To our beautiful Godparents, thank you for helping raise our children in the Faith! Thank you for praying for them and guiding them to grow closer to God. Your reward will surely be great in Heaven!
A special shout-out to my baby’s Godmother who has already brought so many blessings even though my child hasn’t been around for too long. Thank you, Auntie Liz!
Until next time, let’s pray for each other (and our Godparents!). And remember, we can do Mom things through Christ who strengthens us!
Mom Things Through Christ 