The St. Croix Public School District invites all godparents to visit their godchildren at school on Friday, Dec.11, in observance of Godparents Visitation Day, according to Janet Brow, director of school community relations for the district.
“Traditionally, godparents are introduced into the baptism service to assist parents and families in bringing a child up in the Christian faith. The role of godparent has become that of a "supporting friend" who assists the parents and takes a special interest in the child, but does not stand in for the parents or make up for any lacks in their care,” she said. “As a godparent your chief responsibility is to support your godchild in showing qualities such as kindness, helpfulness and concern for others, and basically helping them to become good citizens, aptly emulating the African proverb, “It takes a whole village to raise one child.”
Brow in encouraginggodparents to renew communication with their godchildren added, “There are many different ways of carrying out your duties as a godparent, but one of the most important things to do is to build and maintain a relationship with your godchild. This relationship is a two-way street; therefore, godchildren also need to reciprocate and communicate with their godparents regularly and not only during birthdays and holidays.
“As godparents, you have the power to mold and change the lives of our youth. One of your responsibilities is to help them avoid failure and achieve success. When a child cries for help, answer that cry. Talk to that child; let him know that you care. Additionally, praise them for good behavior and their accomplishments. Make it a point to spend quality time with your godchild and include them in your family activities.”
The St. Croix District leadership urges godparents to keep abreast of their godchild’s progress by keeping in contact with their parents and their schools on a regular basis. “Join us on the Dec. 11 by visiting your godchild at school and/or checking in with them during the observance,” said Brow.
For more information, contact Janet Brow at 773-1095, ext. 7094.
