Being a godparent is rooted in the formation of a lifelong relationship. Another name for the role of godparent is baptismal sponsor. There are many ways to live out this calling even if you haven't ...

The presider at baptism asks the godparents, “Are you ready to help the parents of this child in their duty as Christian parents?” And the godparents respond, “We are.” But are they? Baptism rites all ...

COMMENTARY: As the Catholic Church prepares to celebrate All Saints Day, let’s ponder not just those who have been canonized but those whom Pope Francis beautifully calls the ‘saints next door.’ Pope ...

I didn't refer to my godson as my godson until I heard one of his parents do it first. They asked me to be a baptismal sponsor but didn't use godparenting language at first, so I wasn't sure what name ...

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Once again, we begin the annual season of Lent, as a time of preparation for the celebration of the Lord's Paschal Mystery, during Holy Week and Easter. During ...

The Vatican released a document Wednesday affirming that individuals suffering from gender-identity disorders are allowed to be baptized or be named as godparents under specific circumstances. The ...

Carolyn Hax is away. The following first appeared July 3, 2011. Dear Carolyn: We just got an invitation to the baptism of my seventh nephew on my husband’s side. Once again, we were not considered as ...

Last year, at the age of 59, I chose a new godmother. A year earlier, my godmother and aunt, Jean Kennedy Smith, had passed away. Jean and I had built a lifetime of memories and confidences—we had ...

A document approved by Pope Francis lays out nuanced guidance in keeping with his vision of a more inclusive church, but it does not amount to a policy change in the church, the Vatican says. By Jason ...

IN the vestry of my church there are two leather-bound books. One is the marriage register and the other the baptismal register. They represent two-thirds of the traditional role of the church in ...