Some dish on godparents:
123. Before the rite of election godparents are chosen by the catechumens; the choice should be made with the consent of the priest, and the persons chosen should, as far as possible, be approved for their role by the local community (see RCIA no. 11). In the rite of election the godparents exercise their ministry publicly for the first time. They are called by name at the beginning of the rite to come forward with the catechumens (RCIA 130); they give testimony on behalf of the catechumens before the community (RCIA 131); they may also write their names along with the catechumens in the book of the elect (RCIA 132).
First public ministry for godparents? What about the rite of acceptance? Remember the companions at the beginning of the catechumenate were “sponsors.” The choice for godparent is somewhat more serious, and presumably, implies more of a discernment on the part of newcomers and the community to find a suitable spiritual friend for the catechumens–now elect.
#123 also gives the three public duties at the rite of election. That second one shouldn’t be minimized or taken for granted.
