What Part Do Parents Play In A Baptism?

Godparents play a crucial role in the life of a newborn child, as they are the original parents and owners of the child. They are responsible for providing spiritual guidance and ensuring that the child is raised in the Catholic faith. The Church recognizes the connection between faith and baptism, and the parents’ faith speaks for the child who is too young to have explicit faith on their own.

Godparents are essential in the process of baptism, as they are the ones who profess faith on behalf of the child, ensuring that the child completes their sacraments through the reception of reconciliation. They are also responsible for reading, explaining, and reflecting upon sacred Scripture with their godchild, particularly the life of Jesus.

The role of parents is vital, as they give assurance that they will raise the child being baptized in the Catholic faith. All infant children become members of the community through baptism because their parents have faith and publicly commit to raising their children in that faith. Godparents serve as sponsors at baptism, making big promises to encourage their godchild to grow in faith.

During the baptism ritual, godparents demonstrate God’s love to the child, demonstrating that God’s love extends beyond the child’s parents. They bear responsibility for the faith life of the baptized child as much as the parents do.

In summary, godparents play a significant role in the life of a newborn child, providing spiritual guidance, ensuring the child is raised in the Catholic faith, and serving as sponsors during baptism. Their role is not just about blood, but also about the importance of faith and spirituality in the life of a child.


📹 For Parents & Godparents Preparing For a Baptism: Responsibilities

Part Two of a series for parents and godparents preparing to take part in a service of baptism. What are the responsibilities …


What is the duty of the godparent after baptism?

The role of the godparent is that of a lifelong sponsor and friend, serving as a confidante and model for a child’s faith. Nevertheless, the Bible does not delineate the precise role of a godparent in the context of a baptism.

What is the role of God parents in baptism?
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What is the role of God parents in baptism?

Godparents play a crucial role in a child’s Christian upbringing, committing to their child’s growth in faith and understanding of Christian life. They should spend time discussing life’s bigger questions, such as hope, faith, and love, and model Christian values such as kindness, compassion, generosity, and standing against injustice. They should pray for their child’s ups and downs, teach them practical life choices, such as staying healthy, resisting temptations, caring for God’s world, and handling peer pressure.

They should also help their child learn more about the Christian faith through their church and other means, such as attending church, discussing the Bible, and teaching them prayer. While this is a demanding role, help is always available through the church, online, and from God, who will bless all efforts to help their child.

What is the role of the family in baptism?
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What is the role of the family in baptism?

The author discusses their experience attending an evangelical seminary and the various views on baptism. They highlight the Presbyterian view of baptism as an outward sign of an inward change and defend the decision to baptize infants and children. The author believes that baptism is not about taking away sins but about Jesus Christ, and it is the beginning of choosing Jesus for a lifetime. Baptism is a confirmation of the Reformed belief that God chooses us before we can even conceive of choosing God. In the case of infant or child baptism, it is a family/parental promise to give the child every opportunity to know God and choose God back in their own life.

The author’s baptism was a unique experience for them, as they were baptized at a 3-year-old, which is unusual for a Presbyterian baptism. Traditionally, most children are baptized as infants or later at confirmation (around eighth grade). However, the author’s parents sought a denomination that could join them as Christians, and they decided to baptize their daughter as well. The baptism was a family affair, with the author’s dad sharing the baptism with them.

What has the family to do with baptism?

Baptism is a crucial act of discipleship, as it involves the family making a public promise to make disciples out of their children. This promise is between parents and God, the church, and the child, and the parents and the child. If the parents cannot commit to discipling their children, they should not baptize them either. However, there is no one way to disciple families, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It is essential to commit to discipling our children and families in order to effectively disciple them.

What do parents bring to a baptism?
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What do parents bring to a baptism?

Gifts for baptism can be gender-neutral, Unisex gifts, or more traditional items like a bible with the child’s name engraved on it or a silver rattle. For a less traditional gift, consider buying a piggy bank for money gifted to the child. Personalized Baptism Gift Ideas include a personalized photo frame, a custom photo book, custom wall art, a keepsake box, a personalized blanket, personalized jewelry, and a “God Loves You” personalized story book.

  1. Custom Photo Frame: Shutterfly offers a variety of frames that can be customized with the child’s name, baptism date, and a special message. This keepsake can be displayed in the home and allows the child and their family to revisit the special moments of their baptism for years to come.

  2. Baptism Photo Book: Shutterfly’s photo books allow you to curate a collection of photos from the ceremony, add captions, and choose from various layouts and themes. This thoughtful gift allows the child and their family to revisit the special moments of their baptism for years to come.

  3. Custom Wall Art: Shutterfly offers a vast selection of canvas prints, framed prints, and more that can be personalized with the child’s name, a meaningful quote, or a Bible verse.

  4. Keepsake Box: A keepsake box provides a safe place to store mementos and keepsakes from the baptism day.

  5. Personalized Jewelry: Shutterfly’s collection of personalized necklaces and bracelets can be engraved with the child’s name, baptism date, or a meaningful symbol.

  6. “God Loves You” Personalized Story Book: This personalized children’s book is the perfect baptism gift for your loved one.

Who holds the child during baptism?

The text indicates that, in the case of a baptism by pouring water, the mother or father is typically the preferred individual to hold the child. However, should the existing custom be preferred, the godmother or godfather may assume this role.

What promises do parents make at baptism?
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What promises do parents make at baptism?

A baptism involves a baptismal ceremony where parents and godparents take vows, reject Satan and evil, and declare their faith in the Apostles’ Creed. The infant is baptized at a font, a stand containing holy water sprinkled on the child’s head. The baby, parents, and godparents are welcomed, and Bible readings are given. The priest asks for the child’s name, and the responsibilities of the parents and godparents are outlined.

The baptism is performed in the name of the Father, Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Godparents may be given a lighted candle to represent the light of Jesus in the baby’s life. Parents may dress their baby in a special white garment to symbolize purity.

What are the responsibilities of parents in baptism?
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What are the responsibilities of parents in baptism?

Parents or guardians are responsible for raising a child Catholic when they ask for baptism. They must confidently state that the child will be raised within the Catholic faith, including attending Mass, teaching the faith, praying with and for the child, and receiving sacraments like reconciliation, first Communion, and confirmation. The role of parents is crucial in infant baptism and should not be taken lightly.

Godparents play a dual role: first, as a source of prayer and example for the child being baptized, and second, as they assist in the formation of the child’s faith throughout their life. Their faith is an essential factor in fulfilling the baptismal promise of being raised in the Catholic Faith.

Some baptisms can be celebrated by an unbaptized individual, as long as the cleansing through water and the spoken blessing of the Trinitarian baptismal Formula are performed. For a valid baptism, the chosen godparents must be a Catholic and have the child’s faith in mind.

What role do parents play in baptism?
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What role do parents play in baptism?

During the Baptismal Rite, parents ask the Church for their child’s baptism and make the cross sign on their forehead, claiming the child for Christ. They acknowledge that they are accepting the responsibility of training the child in the Catholic faith, rejecting Satan and professing their faith in God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, and what the Church teaches. The parents and godparents profess faith on behalf of the child, as the child is yet unable to profess it themselves.

These actions are immense and must be done with life itself. The parents and godparents then share and witness the faith they have professed on the child’s behalf so that in time, the child may accept it as their own.

A non-Catholic parent does not need to make the profession of faith during the Baptism, but they must give permission for the child to be instructed and raised in the faith of the Church in which the child is Baptized. Parents should review the Reflection paper and the Rite of Baptism for Children to reflect on their role in asking for their child’s baptism.

What is the parents' role in baptism?
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What is the parents’ role in baptism?

During the Baptismal Rite, parents ask the Church for their child’s baptism and make the cross sign on their forehead, claiming the child for Christ. They acknowledge that they are accepting the responsibility of training the child in the Catholic faith, rejecting Satan and professing their faith in God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, and what the Church teaches. The parents and godparents profess faith on behalf of the child, as the child is yet unable to profess it themselves.

These actions are immense and must be done with life itself. The parents and godparents then share and witness the faith they have professed on the child’s behalf so that in time, the child may accept it as their own.

A non-Catholic parent does not need to make the profession of faith during the Baptism, but they must give permission for the child to be instructed and raised in the faith of the Church in which the child is Baptized. Parents should review the Reflection paper and the Rite of Baptism for Children to reflect on their role in asking for their child’s baptism.

What role do the parents play in the baptism of a baby?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What role do the parents play in the baptism of a baby?

During the Baptismal Rite, parents ask the Church for their child’s baptism and make the cross sign on their forehead, claiming the child for Christ. They acknowledge that they are accepting the responsibility of training the child in the Catholic faith, rejecting Satan and professing their faith in God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, and what the Church teaches. The parents and godparents profess faith on behalf of the child, as the child is yet unable to profess it themselves.

These actions are immense and must be done with life itself. The parents and godparents then share and witness the faith they have professed on the child’s behalf so that in time, the child may accept it as their own.

A non-Catholic parent does not need to make the profession of faith during the Baptism, but they must give permission for the child to be instructed and raised in the faith of the Church in which the child is Baptized. Parents should review the Reflection paper and the Rite of Baptism for Children to reflect on their role in asking for their child’s baptism.


📹 Belonging: Baptism in the Family of GodRole of Godparents


What Part Do Parents Play In A Baptism?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Rae Fairbanks Mosher

I’m a mother, teacher, and writer who has found immense joy in the journey of motherhood. Through my blog, I share my experiences, lessons, and reflections on balancing life as a parent and a professional. My passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom as I write about the challenges and blessings of raising children. Join me as I explore the beautiful chaos of motherhood and share insights that inspire and uplift.

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