God Father advice

[franksv]

Hello

I am looking for some thoughts from other practicing Catholics.We have a 3rd child due Feb 5th of 07,which will really be late Jan as my wife always delivers 1-2 weeks early.For my first two kids,I was not a practicing Catholic and chose God parents for the wrong reason.Both are not even Catholic.Wish I could go back now.

Heres my delema,I have one real close friend that is Catholic but not practicing.I am thinking about asking him but I know he has a trip to Wisconson Dells planned that weekend.As it is the last date we can have a Bapism before Lent,our options are limited if we want to get this done before Easter.And me and my wife want to have the baby Batized before Lent.

All of the guys I know that are devout Catholics,that I think would make a great GF are from my Parish.Guys I met while I was in RCIA and now in CRHP ministry,both of which I am a part of today.But,I only know them well in Church and only really do things outside of Church with one guy.Do you think its out of line to ask someone from Church,to be a God Father? I have really only known these guys from 18 months to as little as 6 months.Thoughts and comments?

Frank

 

[puzzleannie]

I think any of them would be honored to be asked, and it makes much more sense to ask a member of the parish whom you know to be a good practicing Catholic, than a family member whom you believe to be otherwise, especially one who considers a vacation more important than his godchild’s baptism. The godparent or confirmation sponsor, by the way, is supposed to represent the entire Christian community, especially the parish and local church, as it is the parents who represent the family. You only need one, it can be a man or a woman. You and they have to attend pre-baptismal classes so start now.

 

[franksv]

I think any of them would be honored to be asked, and it makes much more sense to ask a member of the parish whom you know to be a good practicing Catholic, than a family member whom you believe to be otherwise, especially one who considers a vacation more important than his godchild’s baptism. The godparent or confirmation sponsor, by the way, is supposed to represent the entire Christian community, especially the parish and local church, as it is the parents who represent the family. You only need one, it can be a man or a woman. You and they have to attend pre-baptismal classes so start now.

This was my exact thought.I just don’t want to overstep myself.But,hey thats one vote for the parish members vs long term buddy that snickers at my new found Faith even though he is non practicing Catholic,but Catholic non the less.

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

Think of it this way: You are opening your family by inviting somebody in your parish group to be the godfather; your new baby gets a good influence and lifelong friend; your family life links more into your parish. Good deal all around, I say, and bless you for thinking of it!

 

[TimOliv]

Hello

I am looking for some thoughts from other practicing Catholics.We have a 3rd child due Feb 5th of 07,which will really be late Jan as my wife always delivers 1-2 weeks early.For my first two kids,I was not a practicing Catholic and chose God parents for the wrong reason.Both are not even Catholic.Wish I could go back now.

Heres my delema,I have one real close friend that is Catholic but not practicing.I am thinking about asking him but I know he has a trip to Wisconson Dells planned that weekend.As it is the last date we can have a Bapism before Lent,our options are limited if we want to get this done before Easter.And me and my wife want to have the baby Batized before Lent.

All of the guys I know that are devout Catholics,that I think would make a great GF are from my Parish.Guys I met while I was in RCIA and now in CRHP ministry,both of which I am a part of today.But,I only know them well in Church and only really do things outside of Church with one guy.Do you think its out of line to ask someone from Church,to be a God Father? I have really only known these guys from 18 months to as little as 6 months.Thoughts and comments?

Frank

Just make them an offer they can’t refuse

Seriously though, if a person from my parish asked me if I would be a Godfather, I would be honored, even if I didn’t know them as well as some of my friends outside of the parish.