Baptism Question: Should I be a godparent? [edited]

[sldock]

I’ve been asked by a very close friend and his wife to sponsor one of his twin baby girls in baptism. This friend and his wife, as far as I know, were both raised Catholic but haven’t practiced in several years and chose not to marry in the Church. Apparently they found a parish that accepted their request and plans are being made for the baptism.

Is it appropriate to accept this responsibility when you’re not assured that the child will be raised in the Church? Obviously I can’t predict what will happen in the future, but I’m not convinced that having children is going to encourage them to practice their faith when they haven’t before. Again, I can’t say for sure. So what would the appropriate thing to do be? No baby should be denied baptism. But if parents don’t take it seriously, what can be done? I don’t live anywhere near these friends and normally only see them once or twice a year.

I feel conflicted about this and would appreciate any advice, especially from anyone who might have experienced something similar.

Thanks!

 

[bostonboy23]

I’ve been asked by a very close friend and his wife to sponsor one of his twin baby girls in baptism. This friend and his wife, as far as I know, were both raised Catholic but haven’t practiced in several years and chose not to marry in the Church. Apparently they found a parish that accepted their request and plans are being made for the baptism.

Is it appropriate to accept this responsibility when you’re not assured that the child will be raised in the Church? Obviously I can’t predict what will happen in the future, but I’m not convinced that having children is going to encourage them to practice their faith when they haven’t before. Again, I can’t say for sure. So what would the appropriate thing to do be? No baby should be denied baptism. But if parents don’t take it seriously, what can be done? I don’t live anywhere near these friends and normally only see them once or twice a year.

I feel conflicted about this and would appreciate any advice, especially from anyone who might have experienced something similar.

Thanks!

i would come straight out and ask. do they intend on raising the child in the church. if not then kindly decline to be the godparent. because if you become the child’s godparent and she’s not brought up in the faith God is going to ask why you didn’t step in. the priest at the church they went to should of already asked these questions and if there not practicing there faith they should be told to at least raise the child in it. baptism without be a faithful christian and catholic is meaningless.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I’ve been asked by a very close friend and his wife to sponsor one of his twin baby girls in baptism. This friend and his wife, as far as I know, were both raised Catholic but haven’t practiced in several years and chose not to marry in the Church. Apparently they found a parish that accepted their request and plans are being made for the baptism.

Is it appropriate to accept this responsibility when you’re not assured that the child will be raised in the Church? Obviously I can’t predict what will happen in the future, but I’m not convinced that having children is going to encourage them to practice their faith when they haven’t before. Again, I can’t say for sure. So what would the appropriate thing to do be? No baby should be denied baptism. But if parents don’t take it seriously, what can be done? I don’t live anywhere near these friends and normally only see them once or twice a year.

I feel conflicted about this and would appreciate any advice, especially from anyone who might have experienced something similar.

Thanks!

An Godparents role is not to determine if the child should be Baptized that is the pastors responsibility. I have seen many people return to the practice of the faith because of a child’s birth and Baptism.

Keeping in touch and visiting when you can will give the child the opportunity to seek your guidance if they want. Electronic means available today for keeping in touch helps a lot.

 

[Claire_from_DE]

You could mention to them that one of the obligations of the godparent is to support the child’s upbringing in the faith. Would they be happy with you taking your Godchild to mass sometimes, talking to the girls about God, giving them Catholic books and CD’s, etc. Do they want you to be active in the girls’ lives in this way? If so, you could be a positive influence in their lives. If they wouldn’t be in favor of this, you wouldn’t be able to fulfill your obligation.

 

[diggerdomer]

i would come straight out and ask. do they intend on raising the child in the church. if not then kindly decline to be the godparent. because if you become the child’s godparent and she’s not brought up in the faith God is going to ask why you didn’t step in. the priest at the church they went to should of already asked these questions and if there not practicing there faith they should be told to at least raise the child in it. baptism without be a faithful christian and catholic is meaningless.

I agree. While it’s not your role to determine if the child should be baptized, it is your role to determine if you can carry out the ministry of godparent in good conscience. Personally, I would share your concerns and questions, and would tend to think it would be good to discuss this honestly with the parents. After all, sacraments are the Church’s, not just the priest’s, so everyone involved has a role in ensuring they are celebrated faithfully (which in this case includes the consideration of the well-found hope that a child being baptized would be raised Catholic).