What is the role of a godparent and pros/cons to a child having one?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 16:49:37 -0500

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2016 4:52 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 16:52:00 -0500

As I understand it a godparent promises to step up and be the child's religious guide if the parents pass away.

If the parents live it is pretty much an honorary thing.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2016 4:59 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 16:59:17 -0500

The role is to step up when the birth parents have died. As for the pros: another source of guidance in the spiritual manner and other pieces of life advice. As since the parents only pick (or rather should only pick) the best candidates to help their kids, the only con I can see is the child being sad and possibly withdrawn about losing their parents.

Response by SGT Jody Trapp made Dec 22 at 2016 7:52 PM

SGT Jody Trapp — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 19:52:38 -0500

There really are no cons... it's like having a second set of parents that love you and take care of you. It's great cus they can treat you like their kids then give you back lol my godmother is amazing!!! She is my best friend and family... so no cons!!!

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Dec 22 at 2016 9:53 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 21:53:59 -0500

In the Catholic Religion a God Parent should step in if both Parents die. Typically also invited to witness Baptism, Confirmation and Marriage and this last part is optional but my God Parents gave me Birthday and Christmas gifts until I was about 10-12 years old..........they did not have any kids of their own though.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Dec 23 at 2016 12:04 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 12:04:44 -0500

These days, not much. But the idea is that if something were to happen to the parents, the godparents would do right by the child and help take care of them. Religiously speaking, the godparents are there to help ensure the child stays within the faith. I wouldn't say there are any real pros and cons to this anymore than there is to being a best man or maid of honor at a wedding.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Dec 29 at 2016 12:23 AM

SPC Brian Mason — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 00:23:33 -0500

The only con that I can think are when the parent(s) die and you suddenly become their parent. I know being a god parent is something to take seriously and all. There's a movie with Katherine Heigl and some guy in it about this.