Baptism

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Cagrl

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I am not sure if this is the correct place to ask but here goes:

I am having a baby in September and was wondering if it is permissible to ask a priest to be the godfather of my son. So instead of asking the priest to baptize my son, he would actually be the godfather and we would have a different priest do the baptism. Is that possible or does it have to be a lay person? If it’s a layperson, can I choose 1 person even if this person is married? Also, what are the rules for choosing a godparent? For example do they have to be married through the Catholic chuch?

Thanks in advance.
 
I don’t think it would be appropriate to ask a priest to be a godparent. To be a godparent, the person must be a Catholic in full communion and good standing in the Church. I’m failry sure you can use one person from a married couple as long as they are validly married in the Catholic Church. It’s all quite difficult to explain in the sort of forum. The priest you speak with you give you all of the details quite easily. Best of luck!
 
This is an interesting question and all I can do is offer my opinion. I would think a priest would make an excellent choice to serve as a Godparent. Who would know and be able to teach the Catholic Faith better? After all, that is the reason we choose Godparents, to teach the Faith to the child if the parents are not able to do so at some future date.

There is no reason a Godparent has to be married or has to be single. Married people and single people can learn, know, live and teach the Faith equally well, I would think.

It is not required to have two Godparents, but if you choose two, one must be a Godmother and the other must be a Godfather. Godparents must be practicing Catholics.
 
I just found this info and it quotes canon law, so maybe it will be helpful. I’m pretty sure that someone on CAF will quote the catechism or canon law directly themselves at some point, since there are a lot more knowledgeable people on here than I am, but at least I can offer this:

rc.net/fortwayne/stbernard/sponsors.htm
 
Some priests will agree to be the Godfather when asked, some will not. Ask him. If he chooses not to, he will assist you.

You must have 1 Godparent of either sex. You may have two, if you have two, they must be of the opposite sex. They do not have to be married (or married to each other).

They do have to be practicing Catholics.

You may have in place of one Godparent, one Christian Witness - this is someone who is a Christian but is not a Catholic.

Confused yet?

Ask your Priest, he will help you through it.
 
Cagrl said:
I am not sure if this is the correct place to ask but here goes:

I am having a baby in September and was wondering if it is permissible to ask a priest to be the godfather of my son. So instead of asking the priest to baptize my son, he would actually be the godfather and we would have a different priest do the baptism. Is that possible or does it have to be a lay person? If it’s a layperson, can I choose 1 person even if this person is married? Also, what are the rules for choosing a godparent? For example do they have to be married through the Catholic chuch?

Thanks in advance.
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Nothing in Church Law prohibits a priest, or Religious from being a Godparent. It may be prohibited by their order however. You only need one practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, over 16, and Confirmed.
 
Br.Rich_SFO said:
Nothing in Church Law prohibits a priest, or Religious from being a Godparent. It may be prohibited by their order however. You only need one practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, over 16, and Confirmed.
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And to respond to the last part of the OP’s original question, yes, if they’re married they have to be married according to Church law.
 
Good information for me to know as well. I didn’t know it was even possible for a priest to be a godparent. Hmm…I constantly learn new things here!
 
Thanks so much everyone for your wonderful advice! I knew I could count on you! You are all so knowledgeable! Thanks again!

Blessings! 😃
 
we have some priests in the family, and each of them has stood up as godparent for more than one of their nieces and nephews
 
My only concern would be if the priest is relocated and ended up having little contact w/ your family.
 
KCT said:
My only concern would be if the priest is relocated and ended up having little contact w/ your family.
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That is a very good point. I had not thought about that! Thanks for the (name removed by moderator)ut. I am trying to discern who I should pick because to be honest and unfortunately there aren’t many people (family or friends) that I know of that are “practicing” Catholics or even know our faith. It’s very sad. But it’s reality. I always pray for them. But I really am in a bind as to who to chose. This priest is wonderful and he’s the one that married Dh and I. But you make a very good point. I am at a loss as to who to choose. But the good thing is I still have a little more time. I need to continue to pray and discern for this decision.

Blessings
 
At least a diocesan priest wouldn’t move out of the diocese. You can’t say the same about friends or relatives. For that matter, you don’t know that you won’t move to some other area. I guess I’d be concerned about finding the best people now since you have no way of knowing about the future.
 
SuscipeMeDomine said:
At least a diocesan priest wouldn’t move out of the diocese. You can’t say the same about friends or relatives. For that matter, you don’t know that you won’t move to some other area. I guess I’d be concerned about finding the best people now since you have no way of knowing about the future.
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Yeah, that’s a good point too. The thing is that I am finding a hard time finding “the best people now.” So I am kinda stuck.

I mean, I have family and friends that are Catholic but they either don’t go to mass or aren’t married through the church or the don’t know the faith. I mean, I am not saying I am perfect because trust me…I’m not. It’s just that I have tried to learn about my faith, live the faith as best as possible, not miss mass and teach my 12 year old daughter why as Catholics we do the things we do and what they mean. But many of my friends and relatives don’t do any of that, even though the say they are Catholic. It’s very sad. I pray for my family so much and just hope that one day they will come to the fullnes of what the Catholic church has to offer but in the mean time here I am trying to find a godparent for my baby boy who will be arriving in September.

I guess I have another question now…I mean, this might sound mean but I am not trying to be. It’s just a question that came to mind. Do I have to pick a godparent? Can I just baptize with no godparent?
 
No…you need a sponsor. But the requirement is for only one.

Have you thought about asking your pastor if he can recommend someone? There must be someone in the parish who would be willing to be a godparent and would be a good role model for your son. Even if you don’t know the person (or people) now, you have some time to get to know them before your baby is born.
 
SuscipeMeDomine said:
No…you need a sponsor. But the requirement is for only one.

Have you thought about asking your pastor if he can recommend someone? There must be someone in the parish who would be willing to be a godparent and would be a good role model for your son. Even if you don’t know the person (or people) now, you have some time to get to know them before your baby is born.
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That’s another idea. Thanks, Suscipe! I appreciate your (name removed by moderator)ut during this time of discernment!! 😉
 
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