Godparenting

[AuntieMar]

I am godmother to my two nephews, ages six and almost four. I have remembered them with a little age appropriate gift the anniversary of their baptism each year since they were baptized together three years ago. The parents do not attend Mass regularly. The children will attend public schools although have gone to a Lutheran preschool.

I am a born-again, “come home,” practicing Catholic and desire to see my nephews grow up to be God loving. I have been taking care of the boys one day a week since they were three months old, so we have a family relationship. I have only an “okay” relationship with my brother (the father). I have to be careful not to interfere in the nuclear family, which is tight.

I would like some suggestions as to what I can do to fulfill my responsibilities to my Godchildren, now and in the future. I pray for them regularly.

Thank you in advance.

 

[dashso40]

Unfortunately, the parents have the decision about the kids religious upbringing…there is really nothing you can do except pray and spend time with them and you can be an example to them and hopefully they will move toward Catholicism as they grow.

 

[aloejamb]

Like the PP said, there’s not much you can do in how they are brought up but I have a suggestion that is simple.

For our goddaughter, we send a card with a bible verse in it, or a prayer card on the anniversary of her baptismal and first communion dates. It’s simple. It marks that day as something special. And it’s not confrontational. This year we made her a CD of Christian songs and sent that with the card. She said she listens to it before she goes to bed at night.

We also include in her card that if she has any questions about her faith, we are here to help her (her mom does a great job at this though).

Your godchildren are younger so keep it simple for now…a card, or a picture book of saints etc… Religious stickers. Just something to let them know that you are thinking of them.
hope this helps.

 

[AuntieMar]

Thank you for your wisdom and replies. I am moved that you have cared enough to respond.

I agree that it is a good idea to keep it simple with the younger ones and appreciate the suggestion re the stickers, etc. to let them know I am thinking about them. Additionally, I hope to be able to continue to spend time regularly with the children and do my best with the grace of God to be good example.

Sincerely, A.Mar

 

[MarieVeronica]

I pray for them regularly.

“AuntieMar” I don’t have any words of wisdom for you. But I just wanted you to know that I will pray about this, for you. I understand your feelings.

I also am godmother to my nephew, who is approaching 25. He has not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation (nor has his sister, age 21)… and I’m concerned. I’ve talked till I’m blue in the face to my sister (their mom) about it… and have tried on numerous occasions, to talk to my nephew as well. But he lives about 2,000 miles away from me… and has avoided responding to my concerns. In fact, he’s outright ignored my concerns.

I would appreciate your prayers, too. God bless you. Your nephews are blessed to have an aunt and godmother who cares so much.

(P.S. Don’t give up on your prayers for them. Prayer works. My sister recently returned to the Church… after 30+ years away).

 

[AuntieMar]

Dear MarieVeronica,

Thank you for hearing my concern and your kind reply. I hear yours also and will of course pray for you and your nephew and niece.

I know God is faithful because he kept after me for so many years, and who would have thought I would have been given the pleasure of these children; I was 57 when the first was born. God bless you,

Sincerely,
AuntiMar

 

[uncannyman]

I’ve had some similar issues come up in our family. When my nieces and nephews were little we gave them the Holy Baby DVDs. My kids really enjoyed them and my nieces and nephews liked to watch them too when they came over. They are like a Catholic version of Baby Einstien.

Now that they are getting a little older, we get them animated saint DVDs. Since they are at your house once a week you could let them watch some of those like the Story of Fatima or Lourdes. There are also lots of animated bible stories for kids that they enjoy watching and learn a bit about their faith in the process without pushing it on them.

A really good book that my boys (4 and 6) love is “the squire and the scroll” it teaches about virtures of honesty and purity. The squire a young boy helps his master a knight to save the kingdom from an evil dragon. My oldest loves it because he gets to be squire and daddy is the knight (He is a Knight of Columbus, you should have see our son’s eyes bug out of his head at that )

Anyway those are just some of the things we have tried. Keeping praying too.