question for Catholics, or those who know about Catholicism: What is the purpose of god parents?

For Catholics, yes it's necessary to have ONE "Catholic in good standing" (which means that the Catholic witness is attending Mass regularly, is not in a state of mortal sin -- meaning they have recently gone to confession -- and they must provide proof by having the priest of their parish sign a slip verifying they are in good standing) Godparent.

Someone above said that it's the Godparent's job to raise the child in the faith should the parents die, but that's not true. Sure it's one of their roles, but it's also their job to help raise the child in the faith even if the parents are alive. A Godparent is essentially a person of honor in a child's life. An extra parent, and a friend, a confidant and someone who helps the child make the correct and moral decisions throughout their lives. Naturally it doesn't always work out that way: but that is the role. A good Godparent remains in the child's life and attends all the Sacraments with them, continuously sponsoring them throughout. Such as First Holy Communion. Confirmation. Matrimony or Holy Orders.

Typically we like to have one male and one female Godparent, preferably married and also, for a lot of Catholics: these are the people you would will your child to should you die. That doesn't always happen though. You can have one Catholic Godparent, and one Christian witness. The Christian witness is one who is not Catholic, but does promise to insure the child will be raised Catholic.

I hope that answered your question!~

I think most Churches have this, or very similar traditions. John and Hillary's answers are pretty spot on to the best of my knowledge. Though for a lot of them it seems to be moving over to a more "help them learn to be decent, good people" rather than been about religious instruction. There are even some weird secular alternatives coming about too.

Like John I am also an atheist who has been asked to do this several times.

The idea is that in the case of the death of the parents the godparents (one word) will raise the child in the faith.

Funny thing is I'm a godparent several times over and my friends and family who chose me for this know I'm an atheist.

It's mostly an honorary position.

No, they do not raise the kids if the parent dies. That is done in a Will when you name a Guardian. They are supposed to help raise the children in the Catholic faith whether or not the parents are dead or alive. I go to all of their sacraments and special events in the Church, and try to celebrate the Holy Days with them.

A long time ago one chose them with the thought they would be the ones to raise them in case the parents died and that they would help to teach them about God, but that is no longer the case.

My daughter was baptized and one of her god parents is not even Catholic. The other was raised Catholic but never made his Confirmation.

They just want to make sure they are aware of the basics of religion and that they both are going to teach the child about their religion in case you are not around to do so.

They're supposed to fill in to raise a child if the child's natural parents die, and by being "godparents" they promise to raise the child as a good catholic if that happens.

In various catholic cultures, they also act as mentors, sponsors, patrons, etc. to the child even if the parents don't die.

Peace.

You got some awesome answers on the purpose, and I can add the Anglican church observes a similar practise.

**sister was baptized Anglican with godparents

Their purpose, at least in the Catholic Church, is to take over raising the kid, both literally and in the faith, if that child's real parents die.

Hello,

God Parents serves as a guide to the newly baptized, confirmed, or weds. Guide in terms of Faith. They shall be the example.

Hello Mormon = I wish I had God parents or knew my God parents.