As I prepared myself for the seventh birthday of our eldest child earlier this year, I wrote a letter to his Godparents, which I didn’t send because I didn’t get around to it, about what we want for him as he reaches the age of reason. Thankfully we have chosen excellent Godparents…
Dear Godparent of Master 6,
You may be aware that this year Master 6 will turn 7 – he will attain the age of reason and will begin his adult sacramental journey next year.
This year we are beginning to make subtle changes with regards to his birthday and other celebrations.
We believe that our children have more than they need materially and we have always encouraged more practical gifts but now, as they grow in intellect and maturity we want something altogether different. From now on our preference is for spiritual, rather than practical, gifts. Therefore in our family celebrations Master 6’s Baptism, spiritual birth, anniversary will hold as much importance as his physical birthday.
At school he learns that the Catholic life is one of discipline and obedience but we’re also anxious that he learns that the Catholic faith is more than just a list of no’s, or preferred behaviours. We want him to develop a relationship with Jesus that is authentic and pure, more than just an intellectually governed moral code that does not inflame his heart. We want the faith to be real and with our rational little man, this might prove a difficult task as we go on.
He understands, rationally, amazing aspects of our faith but we want him to be able to meditate on them, reflect on them and use his imagination to find God in his knowledge.
From this year on, in a special way, we would encourage you to consider spiritual gifts for Master 6 in preference to anything else. Even something as simple as a Mass offering said either on his birthday or the anniversary of his baptism.
We do not expect you to spend a monetary fortune on him but we want him to acquire a spiritual wealth. As his Godparent, we would love your support in this way! If you have any questions about this, or any other aspect of Master 6’s spiritual journey you know how to find us.
Thank you for taking on the responsibility of being Master 6’s Godparent. He is very blessed.
Originally posted 2015-09-29 12:36:10.