Godparents

[Carolyn_Widhalm]

This is probably a moot point, since the child in question just turned 30, but I’ve been reading on other forums about the rules for godparents. When our son was baptized we chose some friends for godparents, one of whom was not a Catholic but had raised his own children Catholic. My Dad told me later that he could not be a godparent, but only one godparent was necessary. My question is, although he was not legally, by Church law a godparent at the time, since he has come into the Church in the meantime, would he now be his godparent or would he have had to convert prior to the baptism?

 

[Spirithound]

Godparent is a title that can only be given at the baptism. Your friend is still a Christian Witness to the baptism, and there is certainly nothing (canonical) stopping him from being a good role model for your son.

 

[mexilad]

Better late than never. Thank God.

 

[Phemie]

Was a Christian witness allowed by the 1917 Code of Canon Law?

 

[Lapey]

Was a Christian witness allowed by the 1917 Code of Canon Law?

I don’t know, why would it matter? The 1917 code is not in affect.

 

[1ke]

I don’t know, why would it matter? The 1917 code is not in affect.

It was when the 30 year old in question was baptized. The new code of canon law was not published until 1983. If the child in question was baptized as an infant, that would have been 1981.

 

[Lapey]

It was when the 30 year old in question was baptized. The new code of canon law was not published until 1983. If the child in question was baptized as an infant, that would have been 1981.

Wow, I missed that little tidbit of info…thanks! Sorry.

 

[Phemie]

It was when the 30 year old in question was baptized. The new code of canon law was not published until 1983. If the child in question was baptized as an infant, that would have been 1981.

That’s the only reason I asked. My kids were baptized in 79, 82 & 84. The first two have 2 godparents, the third has a Godmother and a Christian witness.