Letter to Godparents

Congratulations on being asked to be a godparent! It is a real privilege to take on the responsibilities involved - not just for the material welfare of a growing child, but more importantly for his or her spiritual nurture. This is usually a task shared with the parents, and with the church.

To help you decide whether you can honestly take on this commitment, here are the questions that are put to you and the parents during the service:

Question	Response
Parents and godparents, the Church receives these children with joy. Today we are trusting God for their growth in faith. Will you pray for them, draw them by your example into the community of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ?	With the help of God, we will.
In baptism these children begin their journey in faith. You speak for them today. Will you care for them, and help them to take their place within the life and worship of Christ's Church?	With the help of God, we will.

The priest then asks parents and godparents, speaking for the children they present:

Question	Response
Do you turn to Christ?	I turn to Christ.
Do you repent of your sins?	I repent of my sins.
Do you renounce evil?	I renounce evil.

The whole congregation then joins you in declaring the faith of the church, in the words of a creed:

We believe in God the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.

We believe in God the Son, who lives in our hearts through faith, and fills us with his love.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us with power from on high.

We believe in one God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Amen.

It is unfair - to you, to the child and to the church - to make such important promises if you cannot mean or fulfil them. But if you can, you will certainly find being a godparent brings many rewards. We will play our part in helping you be a good one!