Converting from Methodism--What is done regarding young children with non-Catholic GPs?

[TabbyLilac]

Hi there! Our family is in the beginning stages of becoming Catholic. Our 5-month old baby will eventually be baptized in the Catholic church and so of course we will choose Catholic godparents for him.

However, our 2 and 1/2 year old daughter was baptized in the Methodist Church, and she only has one godparent (a godmother). The godmother is Christian but NOT Catholic. My understanding is that at least 1 godparent should be Catholic, and also that Catholic babies are given a male AND female godparent at baptism. Our daughter’s godmother is an unmarried Christian aunt of mine.

Can we somehow “add” a Catholic godfather for her?? I dislike the idea of her not having a Catholic godparent at all, although we are the only people in either of our families or circles of friends who are/will be Catholic, so I’m not even sure who we could ask to do this.

When people with no Catholic friends or relatives become Catholic, how do they typically find someone to be their child’s godparent?

Thank you for your help!

 

[marlap2]

Hi there! Our family is in the beginning stages of becoming Catholic. Our 5-month old baby will eventually be baptized in the Catholic church and so of course we will choose Catholic godparents for him.

However, our 2 and 1/2 year old daughter was baptized in the Methodist Church, and she only has one godparent (a godmother). The godmother is Christian but NOT Catholic. My understanding is that at least 1 godparent should be Catholic, and also that Catholic babies are given a male AND female godparent at baptism. Our daughter’s godmother is an unmarried Christian aunt of mine.

Can we somehow “add” a Catholic godfather for her?? I dislike the idea of her not having a Catholic godparent at all, although we are the only people in either of our families or circles of friends who are/will be Catholic, so I’m not even sure who we could ask to do this.

When people with no Catholic friends or relatives become Catholic, how do they typically find someone to be their child’s godparent?

Thank you for your help!

Wow. God bless you all, and welcome home.
Talk to your pastor? Or maybe someone else can help you there, in this situation.
In my RCIA group there are usually several people who are excited to step in and help in the role of Godparent or sponsor and journey and are welcoming to new Catholics.

Re your older daughter, I’m sure your pastor has an idea. I just had to jump in to say WELCOME, HELLO, and HUGS.

 

[TabbyLilac]

Thank you for the welcome, Marlap!!! I am just so thankful that God has called me to the Catholic Church. I’ve never been more certain of anything in my whole life, and have felt filled with such a sense of peace and joy since this came into my heart… so very happy to be here!

 

[TomFromMD]

Hi there! Our family is in the beginning stages of becoming Catholic. Our 5-month old baby will eventually be baptized in the Catholic church and so of course we will choose Catholic godparents for him.

However, our 2 and 1/2 year old daughter was baptized in the Methodist Church, and she only has one godparent (a godmother). The godmother is Christian but NOT Catholic. My understanding is that at least 1 godparent should be Catholic, and also that Catholic babies are given a male AND female godparent at baptism. Our daughter’s godmother is an unmarried Christian aunt of mine.

The Godparent has an official role in baptism. Since the daughter has been baptised, there’d no need. If you want some unofficial godparent, I suppose that’s up to you, but that person would have no role in the eyes of the Church. Eventually, she’ll need a confirmation sponsor, but that’s a different role.

 

[Usige]

There is no reason to officially add a Catholic Godparent. I’m not sure that the Godparent’s of converts are even recorded in the baptismal register. To be honest I’ve never personally had to deal with a whole family that converts where there are infants (under 7 years) that are already baptized. The purpose of a Godparent is to help raise them in the Catholic faith. As you grow in a community you will find that many people will help fulfill that role even if they are not officially listed in the register.

As for finding Godparents at baptism, when you are the only Catholics in your circle. That can be a tough. You can always ask your pastor for some help. We are the only Catholics in my family (Presbyterian, Lutheran, and atheist parents). Our first 2 kids after conversion were slim pickings. We only had two couple we knew in more than passing that were Catholic. We ended up selecting someone that falls in the “if I’d known then, what I knew now” category. Luckily we found a strong community of Catholic parents that all help each other out. That being said I know how difficult it can be in those early years before you form those bonds.

 

[1ke]

My understanding is that at least 1 godparent should be Catholic

Yes, when it is a Catholic baptism. The Catholic is sponsoring the child’s entry into the Church. Only a Catholic can do that.

What happened in a prior, non-Catholic baptism is what it is. The godparent you chose at the time was appropriate for a Methodist baptism. I’m sure she is a good Christian example for your child.

and also that Catholic babies are given a male AND female godparent at baptism.

One is the requirements. They *can *have two sponsors, and if they do then they must be of opposite sex. There is no requirement for two.

Can we somehow “add” a Catholic godfather for her??

No. The sponsor is the sponsor at the time of baptism.

When people with no Catholic friends or relatives become Catholic, how do they typically find someone to be their child’s godparent?

Not if the child is already baptized. If the child is not baptized, then many times the sponsor will be the same sponsor who sponsors the parent(s).

Your child will be able to select a Catholic sponsor at the time of their confirmation.

 

[paulrxp]

Thank you for the welcome, Marlap!!! I am just so thankful that God has called me to the Catholic Church. I’ve never been more certain of anything in my whole life, and have felt filled with such a sense of peace and joy since this came into my heart… so very happy to be here!

Want to welcome you as well. I have many many Methodists in my huge family. Of course we all get along wonderfully, but I still pray they all hear the calling you and your family did. One of the most beautiful things about the Catholic Church is the unity. Both in heaven and Earth… All the blessings on your journey, and enjoy this Easter.