Sacrament season: A guide for godparents

Being chosen as a godparent is a great honor and responsibility. The day of a baby’s Baptism is filled with joy, lacy white gowns, the ever-fragrant Chrism oil, and baby snuggles. And it is just the beginning. 

During the Rite of Baptism, the celebrant asks the godparents if they are ready to help the parents of the child in their duty as Christian parents. This great and important obligation, however, is often easier said than done. 

As a child grows in their faith a godparent is meant to serve as a model of what it means to live a life for Christ. They can encourage devotions, celebrate every sacrament, and, most importantly, they can pray for their godchild. 

Are you a godparent? Read along for ideas to build a deeper relationship with your godchild and links to lovely gifts and activities to encourage a life of faith. 

Celebrate baptism anniversaries and feast days

A meaningful way to connect with your godchild is to remember their Baptism anniversary and patron saint feast days. Request a Mass to be said at a local church or by a religious order on their Baptism anniversary. Send a card, have a phone conversation, or head over for dinner to celebrate these special days. If you’re local, these are great opportunities to attend Holy Mass with your godchild and their family. 

Celebrating a Baptism anniversary is as simple as setting a reminder on the calendar and making the effort to connect with the child. Share what you remember about the blessed day they were welcomed into the body of Christ and bring out the pictures! Children love to hear stories about their younger days. 

Fostering a devotion to their patron saint is also a powerful tool for a godparent. Make an effort to celebrate your godchild’s patron saint feast day each year by sending holy cards or books about the saint.

Be there for the big moments 

Make an effort to attend all future sacraments. From their first Holy Communion to their wedding or ordination day, the godparent is a pivotal player in the faith journey of a child. Showing up will make a lasting impact. If you can’t attend in person, write a heartfelt note explaining the importance of the sacrament in your own personal life and your prayers that their life is transformed by that grace. 

A thoughtful gift is a wonderful way to celebrate with a godchild. Here are some ideas for each sacrament. 

Baptism gifts 

• An icon of the Good Shepherd or their patron saint for children 
• A children’s Mass activity booklet for a baptism 
• God’s Glorious Girl or God’s Brave Boy books
• Princesses of Heaven book (perfect for ages 3-8)
• A saint plush or Mary doll 
• A liturgical living book for their parents 

First Holy Communion gifts

• A rugged rosary for a boy, or a delicate pearl rosary for a girl
• Beautiful wooden handcarved crucifix or St. Michael plaque 
• The Supper of the Lamb or The Story of all Stories: A Story Bible for Young Catholics 
• A pocket icon of their patron saint
• Rosary bracelet or miraculous medal necklace
• A First Communion pin for their jacket or dress 
• St. Michael tie 

Confirmation gifts 

• A holy medal of a patron saint or a crucifix necklace 
• Biography of their Confirmation saint
• If you’re particularly close with your godchild taking a special trip to a local pilgrimage or holy site 
• A saint graphic tee 
• A leather Bible engraved with their name
• Holy playing cards 

Wedding and ordination gifts 

• A Holy Family icon or statue
• A holy water font and a small container filled with holy water from the church where they were married or ordained
• A spiritual bouquet of prayers and fasting you offered for them
• Special vestments or a stole
• A Blessed Mother or St. Francis of Assisi statue for their garden 

Remember them in your prayers

Keeping your godchild in your prayers is key. Find a rhythm to help you remember to pray consistently and persistently for them. Perhaps remember them in your morning intentions each day, or select a day of the week to fast for your godchild and pray a Rosary or offer a Holy Hour for them.

Additionally, don’t forget their parents! They have a great responsibility to form their child in the faith and need to be bolstered by your support and prayers. Request Masses to be said for them, add them to your morning intentions, and regularly check in with them to see if they have prayer intentions. It will be a gift for them to know that you are praying for them and their child. 

Encourage the entire family with an outpouring of love and care. You are forever connected to your godchild and their family, and it is an awesome responsibility and blessing.