Can I change my daughter's godfather?

[Kat723]

First I want to thank you for taking the time to read my post. My problem is regarding my daughter’s godfather. My brother-in-law is her godfather, but, sad to say, he turned into no example I want my daughter to see. Her baptism was in March 2007 and we need to have his name off of her baptismal certificate. My brother is going to stand up for my daughter and become her godfather. Is there a certain protocol I need to follow? I have a meeting with my parish priests next week. Thank you again for your time and consideration.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

I’m sorry, but you cannot change your daughter’s godfather. One of the responsibilities of godparenthood is to be an official witness to the baptism, and your brother-in-law is the one who attended her baptism in that capacity. If your brother-in-law has become someone from whom you need to distance your daughter, you may do so without changing godparents.

As for your brother, he may certainly act as a spiritual mentor to your daughter and assist you in educating her in the Catholic faith. When the time for her confirmation comes, if your brother-in-law still is not capable of fulfilling his godparent duties, your daughter may ask your brother to be her confirmation sponsor.

I do not know what your brother-in-law did to cause you to want to sever his spiritual relationship with your daughter, but, as a general principle, it should go without saying that if your brother-in-law repents, reforms, and matures in his faith, you certainly should consider the possibility of allowing him to resume fulfilling his responsibilities as a godfather to your daughter.