Q. What should a baptismal sponsor (godparent) do if his or her godchild leaves the Catholic Church?
A. Wow, what a pertinent question that touches more people than you might expect.
To be asked to be a sponsor or godparent for a child at baptism is an honor, but one that carries with it several responsibilities. First, godparents should pray for their godchildren every day that they will follow the way of the Lord.
Second, the godparent should lead by example. St. Pope Pius X once said, “I cannot hear what you are saying because your example speaks so loudly.”
Lastly, if a godchild and/or his or her family acts contrary to the faith or leaves the Catholic Church, the godparent has a responsibility to point out their errors if necessary, and reach out to them and invite them back.
Jesus tells us how to do this in the Scriptures (Matt. 18: 15-20). One must do this gently, and at the right time and place. It should be done in a loving manner and in a nonjudgmental or condemnatory manner. Offer to join your godchildren and/or their family as they return to Mass, the sacraments and the teachings of the Church. Accompanying someone on their journey goes a long way (Luke 24: 13- 35) Thanks for the question.
This question was answered by a priest of the Diocese of Lincoln. Write to Ask the Register using our online form, or write to 3700 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 10, Lincoln NE 68506-6100. All questions are subject to editing. Editors decide which questions to publish. Personal questions cannot be answered. People with such questions are urged to take them to their nearest Catholic priest.
