Godparents and social anxiety

[BostonbyGeorgie]

Do you have to have godparents for a baby? My husband is not catholic and I have severe social anxiety that prevents me from asking anyone to be a godparent and would prevent me from being present at the baptism if one was chosen for me. Of course, there would be no one else to get the baby to the baptism if I couldn’t be there either. Would I just have to wait until he’s old enough to choose his own?

 

[TK421]

See if you can muster the courage to have somebody ask on your behalf, like a priest or grandparent. Or see if your husband can ask somebody for you. He doesn’t need to be Catholic to act on your behalf. God will provide a way.

Peace.

 

[1ke]

Do you have to have godparents for a baby?

Can. 872 Insofar as possible, a person to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who assists an adult in Christian initiation or together with the parents presents an infant for baptism.

I have severe social anxiety that prevents me from asking anyone to be a godparent and would prevent me from being present at the baptism if one was chosen for me.

If you aren’t already under the care of a psychologist, please see someone ASAP. You need to get competent care to deal with such an extreme level of anxiety.

Please speak to your priest about a sponsor.

 

[1ke]

Appreciate the feedback - unfortunately talking to someone is what it is impossible for me to do, so therapists are out of the question.

You have a serious mental health issue, for the sake of your child seek professional help. Have your husband do the outreach and perhaps look for someone who makes house calls.

You MUST seek treatment. Otherwise, what sort of life will your child have with a mentally ill mother? Do it for your child.

Yes it’s scary, but necessary.

 

[Bluebright]

It is a good idea to have godparents especially for you as their may be some things you can’t do with your child because of your illness/inability. We generally chose godparents to care for children’s faith and in case anything happens to one or both of you. I won’t go there, but in a lesser sense, if your husband isn’t able or willing to take your child to mass, first communion, confirmation etc then a godparent could be. As you cant ask people to be in this role then he needs to do so on your behalf. I hope you and he can discuss who you can for it and he will support you and bring up the child Catholic. God bless you. Keep praying. I am sure you have already asked, but keep asking God for his healing for you and your family, nothing is impossible for God. Oh and congratulations on your child.

 

[TheLittleLady]

Speak to your priest or the person who is helping you arrange the baptism. Ask them if they would be sponsor for your child. Do it by email if you must.

Also, there is therapy available by email or text, you do not have to go face to face in order to get help.

 

[1ke]

That is kind of like telling a paraplegic to just walk.

No, it isn’t. I didn’t say “just do it”, like it’s no big deal. I said enlist help from your husband and find a way to do it.

It’s not a courage thing, it’s an actual inability.

It’s a mental health disorder. And you can work with a therapist to control it, possibly overcome it.

It’s debilitating and it will not be fair to your child as he/she grows. Get Help.

 

[1ke]

Also, there is therapy available by email or text,

Right, and by internet chat and video.

 

[BostonbyGeorgie]

So sorry everyone, I meant this to be a question about godparents and baptism, and whether or not I had to wait based on circumstances. I didn’t mean for the focus to turn to anxiety. Forgive me.