A godmother holding a smiling baby in a white baptism gown while the godfather smiles at the baby in a garden

July 14, 2025 Eloiza Adriano

What Is a Godmother and Godfather? Their Role and Purpose

A godmother and godfather are the people a family chooses to stand up for a child at baptism and then stay close for life. In church, they promise to help the parents raise the child in the faith. Outside church, most families use the title for something simpler: an extra grown-up who loves this child, shows up, and is there to talk to when they can't or won't go to their parents. The title gives the godparent no legal rights over the child. What it gives them is a long relationship.

1. What is a godmother and godfather?

A godparent is a sponsor: an adult who vouches for a child at baptism and promises to help guide them as they grow. "Godmother" and "godfather" are just the female and male names for the same role.

In the church, the godparent speaks for the baby during the ceremony and promises to support the child's faith.
In the family, the godparent is usually a close friend, aunt or uncle the parents trust deeply.
Over the years, the godparent becomes a mentor and a safe person for the child to turn to.
On paper, it is an honor, not a legal job. (More on that below.)

If you were just asked to take the role, you are not alone in wondering what you said yes to. Our post on how parents ask someone to be a godparent shows the moment from the other side.

2. What do godparents do at the baptism?

At the baptism, godparents answer the priest's questions for the baby and promise to help the parents raise the child in the faith. The details change from church to church, but most ceremonies include the same few moments.

They make promises out loud. The minister asks if they will help the parents, and they answer yes for everyone to hear.
They profess the faith with the parents, often by reciting the creed.
They stand close to the baby, often holding them or resting a hand on them as the water is poured.
They may hold the baptismal candle, lit from the Easter candle, as a sign of the light they promise to help pass on.

A godmother holds a baby in a white christening gown at the baptismal font while the godfather holds a lit candle

Ask the parish ahead of time what you will be asked to say and do. Many churches hold a short class for parents and godparents before the day.

3. What does a godparent do after the baptism?

After the baptism, a godparent's job is to stay in the child's life, year after year. The ceremony is short. The role lasts for decades, and it is built from small, ordinary things.

Show up for the big days: birthdays, First Communion, Confirmation, graduations, a wedding someday.
Show up for the small ones too: a school play, a Saturday of baking, a phone call after a bad week.
Be a person they can talk to. Kids often say things to a trusted adult that they won't say to their parents yet.
Back up the parents, not compete with them. Same values, a different voice.

Plenty of godmothers are also the child's aunt, and many wear all of those hats at once. The Sister. Aunt. Godmother. Legend. mug says it in four words, and it makes a sweet thank-you from a godchild to the woman who keeps showing up.

Sister Aunt Godmother Legend Ceramic Mug 11 oz White

Sister Aunt Godmother Legend Ceramic Mug 11 oz White, image 2 of 5

Sister Aunt Godmother Legend Ceramic Mug 11 oz White, image 3 of 5

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4. Who can be a godparent?

In the Catholic Church, a godparent must be at least 16, a confirmed Catholic who has received First Communion, living the faith, and not the child's parent. Other churches set their own rules.

How many: Catholic baptism needs one godparent, or two if they are one man and one woman (Code of Canon Law, canons 872-874).
A Christian from another church can stand beside a Catholic godparent as a "Christian witness," but not as the godparent.
Your parish may ask for more, such as a letter from your own parish saying you are a member in good standing.
Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican churches each have their own customs, so ask the pastor early.

5. Does a godparent become the guardian if something happens to the parents?

No. Being a godparent gives you no legal rights or duties toward the child. Only a court, usually following the parents' will, decides who raises a child if both parents die.

Parents who want the godparent to be the guardian need to name them as guardian in a will.
The godparent and the guardian can be the same person, or two different people.
Rules differ by state, so a family lawyer is the right person to ask.
Talk about it openly. Before agreeing to be a guardian, a godparent should know what the parents are asking.

6. What does it mean to be a godparent if you're not religious?

Without religion, a godparent is a chosen mentor: someone who promises the parents they will be there for this child for life. Many families today keep the title even when the baptism is a naming ceremony or there is no ceremony at all.

Role model. Someone whose choices the child can look up to.
Listener. A safe adult to call when life gets hard.
Cheerleader. The person in the front row at games, recitals and science fairs.
Family by choice. Often a best friend who becomes an "uncle" or "aunt" to the kids.

Our Godfather Definition mug sums up that job better than most explanations: "A great teacher and role model. Tells occasional bad jokes and has some questionable habits. Always listens, supports, and protects. A superhero." It's an easy gift from a godchild who wants to say thank you.

Godfather Definition Mug 11 oz White, image 2 of 5

Godfather Definition Mug 11 oz White, image 3 of 5

Godfather Definition Mug 11 oz White

$14.97 - $14.97

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7. Do godparents give gifts, and do they get them?

Yes, both ways. Godparents traditionally give a gift at the baptism, and godchildren and parents often thank them with one too. Nothing is required, but these are the usual moments.

At the baptism: godparents often give a keepsake, like a cross, a children's Bible or a silver spoon.
On faith milestones: First Communion and Confirmation, where a godparent is often the Confirmation sponsor too.
On birthdays and holidays: small and steady beats big and rare.
From the family: parents often thank the godparents on the baptism day, and kids return the favor as they grow up.

If you are shopping for him, we have lists of baptism gifts for a godfather, godfather birthday gifts and more unique godfather gifts for any occasion. For a godfather with a beard and a sense of humor, the Bearded Godfather mug ("the most superior breed of godfather") is our best-selling godfather mug.