Delicate Baptism

[StFrancis2]

Some friends were married outside of the church and have not attended mass in 20 years. But last week they announced that they want their young son baptized a Catholic and that my wife and I will be the godparents. Furthermore, a priest at our church has set the date. I told them that I take this responsiblity very seriously and would like to take the child to mass on Sundays. They said ok. But I expect a problem as t.v. cartoons begin to compete with our Sunday committment, and I don’t expect the parents to reinforce the committment after the novelty of this event wears off. What is my responsibility? What should I do?

 

[puzzleannie]

it is the pastor’s responsibility to obtain reasonable assurance that the child will be raised Catholic. You may assume he has done that if the baptism is already scheduled. Make sure you and the parents take the pre-baptismal classes. use the opportunity to do your best to make them understand the gravity of the promises they are making on the child’s behalf. then be there for the child, do your job as godparent and get him to Mass and CCD and make sure he makes his first Communion. Most of all, give him plenty of chances to see real Catholics in action.

 

[Mysty101]

I wouldn’t be as worried about TV cartoons as sports games later on.

Have you spoken to your confessor or Spiritual director about this one? Considering the circumstances, I would think it would be better for you to accept the honor and responsibility, since you will do your best. I think you should encourage the parents to take their child to Mass and CCD once the child starts school, since this is as it should be. You could take the child before then, but it wouldn’t be an obligation. I’m not sure what your responsibility is, but I can’t imagine there is much you could do if the parents refused to allow you to take the child to Mass. And you also need to find out what about if you are not available to take the child to Mass—how much rearranging of your schedule are you obligated to do.
SuZ

 

[puzzleannie]

one requirement for a godparent or sponsor is willingness and ability to carry out the resonsibilities. I congratulate you for having such a good perception of those responsibilities, which is sadly lacking in many situations. If you can’t physically take the child to Mass and CCD when the parent’s don’t because of age, distance etc. you can exhort (not nag), pray and support the child in every way you can. Again the main thing is to be a person the child can rely on to model the Catholic way of life in Christ.

 

[StFrancis2]

Thank you all, for your encouragement and insight.
…Well, on to the baptism…

 

[Jim_ov_Cov]

The role of Godparents has been somewhat diminised by the Church in recent years. I think the idea is that parents must take primary responsibility for their children’s religious upbringing. It’s edifying that you intend to take the child to Mass, but when push comes to shove the will of the parents must prevail. Sink or swim, it’s their responsiblity before God and the Church.