The Joys of Godparenthood

This past Labor Day weekend was a particularly special one for Patrick and me as we crossed the threshold into godparenthood.

Our beautiful 2 month old niece, Claire, was baptized in Kansas City and we had the honor of becoming her godparents.

Here's Patrick bonding with Claire the day before the ceremony...

Quite the natural.

The ceremony itself was lovely with an abundance of family members in attendance.  Impressively enough, Claire slept angelically throughout the entire thing, even after they poured holy water over her head...

Patrick and I got to light the baptismal candle and make the sign of the cross over Claire's forehead...

And here we are after the baptism with her parents, Adam and Susan, and the priest, Father Scott...

So aside from just sounding cool, what does being a godparent entail?

Traditionally the responsibility of a godparent involves helping to oversee and ensure the religious and spiritual development of the child (or individual) being baptized.  This role was of particular relevance back in the day when Catholics were under intense persecution by the Roman Empire (being stoned to death and whatnot) and thus new converts required someone to vouch for their religious sincerity and to support them as they grew into their new faith.

These days, however, the concept of a godparent is more of a role model who takes a special interest in the child's life.  You know, like the fairy godmother in Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and the lesser known The Blue Bird (note to self: must get myself a wand.)

Or apparently like Lady Gaga who is the godmother of (Sir) Elton John's son Zachary.  Hmm...

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