God parents

[Beswad]

What does it mean when someone nominate you as their God parent? What responsibilties is expected of you?

[gingerflaps]

i was told by someone that if both the parents of the child die then its ur responsibility to look after and care for the child. i have 1 god-daughter but i havnt seen her for 5 yrs as the mother and i lost touch of each other, she was only 17 when she had her.

[rampart]

You will be invited and expected to attend the christening. In fact, you might even be asked to help with the reception that follows. It does not matter if you belong to that church or that type of church. Your presence at the christening means that you know this person and that you know the person truly wishes to be baptised (or in the case of an infant, the parents truly wish the child to be baptised). You are standing there in support of that person, whatever your religious convictions. It is common to wear the sort of clothes one would wear to an informal tea, but never wear black. Do not worry if you do not know where to stand or what to do or say at the church � they will guide you along.

After the church service, there will probably be a reception either at the church or at the infant's home. The person who was christened is the host of the reception, even if it is an infant who did nothing but sleep when the house was readied. The party is just like an informal tea with the exception that the cake will be snow white and quite elaborate. There should be some sort of punch. Every guest should take a bit of cake and punch, symbolic of partaking of the baby�s hospitality.

Most people will bring gifts (godparents, too). They do not have to be expensive gifts, but they should be elegant and perhaps something religious. A silver baby rattle is nice for an infant, a Bible with the person�s name printed on it is nice for an adult.

Not every christening includes a reception. Receptions are quite common, but not required by any means. 

After the person is baptised, your job is to help continue that Christian support. You might take the child to church a few times each year, or simply send a card or note once in a while.

If you are expected to become guardian of the child should a parent die, you will be informed of that. It isn't so common these days.

[smee.tracey]

You are basically accepting the responsibility of the moral and religious guardianship of the child. Don't panic though. Nowadays it is more about being a loving aunty or uncle. Godparents WILL NOT BECOME LEGAL GUARDIANS of the child unless the parents complete a legal document stating this particularly. If the parents die then the child will, unless a very close family member (grandparent etc) accepts responsibility, go into state care. Sad but true

[kazzee69]

I always thought that being a god parent meant that you are their for the child to come to if they need guidance and they are in trouble.. that sort of thing.