Godparent Issue

[WordisLove]

Hello all,

I am a recent convert, my wife is not. She has agreed that our baby on the way could be baptised Catholic. I am really glad she has been so understanding about this. Problem is, being brought up protestant in the south I really have no Catholic friends, neither does she. I know that at least one of the Godparents must be a practicing Catholic. Our blessing is due in less than months and this is becoming a huge weight on my shoulders. I really dont know what t do. I have a Catholic co-worker that I am on good terms with but is that really the best choice??? My wife and I are very introverted so meeting people is not always the easiest thing, any suggestions on what I should do? Thank you.

 

[Trishie]

Hi,
you can only do what you can do, and you shouldn’t have to go through so much stress. Perhaps you can ask you co-worker, trusting in God that He has placed the right person there for you at the right time.

God bless you and grant you peace. And God bless your wife and child

Trishie

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hello all,

I am a recent convert, my wife is not. She has agreed that our baby on the way could be baptised Catholic. I am really glad she has been so understanding about this. Problem is, being brought up protestant in the south I really have no Catholic friends, neither does she. I know that at least one of the Godparents must be a practicing Catholic. Our blessing is due in less than months and this is becoming a huge weight on my shoulders. I really dont know what t do. I have a Catholic co-worker that I am on good terms with but is that really the best choice??? My wife and I are very introverted so meeting people is not always the easiest thing, any suggestions on what I should do? Thank you.

I take it you converted from Protestantism. What about your RCIA Sponsor? The person can be represented by proxy if they do not live near by. Or speak with your parish pastor.

 

[Pray4Life]

Ask your priest or at your parish office, they can find you one. That’s how we got my second daughter’s for much of the same reasons you describe. It’s not ideal, since you won’t know the sponsor well yourself, but it will meet the requirement at least. The Catholic coworker may be a better choice because if you are on friendly terms, then there might be a better chance of them having an ongoing relationship with your child.

 

[06convert]

If you live by Omaha, Nebraska I’ll volunteer.

Aside from that, contacting your parish about the issue would be a good place to start. Sometimes they will put the request in the bulletin and you’ll at least get someone from your parish to respond.

God parents are nice to have, but a lot of people sadly don’t have them in their lives for one reason or another, maybe they passed away, maybe they live far apart and didn’t stay in touch. It would be nice to have someone that you are close to, but in the end, it wont make or break the deal.

Thoughts and prayers are with you. And bless your wife for being open and understanding to your faith.

 

[kage_ar]

When at Mass, do you notice a person or a couple who just strike you as wonderful people? The kind of folks who sort of glow with the joy and peace of Jesus? Ask that person.

 

[pdsgirl]

When you converted or went through the RCIA process did you make a connection with anyone? I recently went through RCIA, and I would have considered many of the people involved in the ministry. If not, I would talk to your parish priest as a previous poster suggested. good luck and God bless your bundle of joy!!!

 

[WordisLove]

I really didn’t make connections with anyone though RCIA unfortunately. I also feel weird asking someone I have known for a very short time to be a Godparent to my child. I have always understood the Godparents role as someone who watches over the child should something happen to the parents. I suppose I misunderstand though in the Catholic context. Is it “normal” to have someone whom you are not really close to? I am edging towards asking my former co-worker as at least I consider him a friend. But I still feel as though it seems desperate. I have two cousins, deeply religious, yet baptist cousins who would respect my wishes in whatever I asked of them…alas it cannot be. I will try not to stress but it is difficult when we all know how important baptism is. Thank you all for the suggestions. I will pray about this and see where i am led.:hypno:

God Bless

 

[Phemie]

I really didn’t make connections with anyone though RCIA unfortunately. I also feel weird asking someone I have known for a very short time to be a Godparent to my child. I have always understood the Godparents role as someone who watches over the child should something happen to the parents.
That is a popular misconception. Godparents have no legal standing. If you wanted the godparents to be the legal guardians in case something happened to you and your spouse, you would have to set that up legally: will, etc.
Godparents are there to help you raise your child in the Catholic faith. They don’t need to be your best friends to do that but if you pick someone from the church community they may well become your best friends.

I suppose I misunderstand though in the Catholic context. Is it “normal” to have someone whom you are not really close to? I am edging towards asking my former co-worker as at least I consider him a friend. But I still feel as though it seems desperate. I have two cousins, deeply religious, yet baptist cousins who would respect my wishes in whatever I asked of them…alas it cannot be. I will try not to stress but it is difficult when we all know how important baptism is. Thank you all for the suggestions. I will pray about this and see where i am led.:hypno:

God Bless