Ideas for evangelizing godchildren not being raised Catholic?

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2libbysmom

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My husband and I are godparents to two of his sister’s five children; our godchildren are now ages 7 and 10 (their siblings are ages 8,13, and 14. All the children were baptized Catholic, but have not been raised in the Catholic Church, or in any other church. We do not live in the same area, but when we do visit their area, we try to arrange to take at least some of the children to mass with us. They have only rarely visited us, and so we don’t have a very close relationship with them. Through the years, we have sent our two godchildren (and their three siblings) the occasional prayer books, holy cards, etc. We also pray for them. We have asked my sister-in-law several times if she planned to join her local parish and register her children for Christian Formation (her husband is not Catholic), but she has given excuses such as she can’t handle all 5 kids by herself at church (when her kids were younger); they have sports and activities scheduled on Sundays (now that the kids are older); and she doesn’t like that her kids would have to be in “special classes” since they are so far behind.

Has anyone ever experienced this sort of situation, and/or does anyone have any other ideas for helping to raise these children in the faith, as we (and their parents) promised to do at their baptisms?
 
It’s a sticky situation but you could explain to sis that it is on YOUR conscience since you promised to do what godparents are bound to do. That might make an impression on her. Perhaps if sister’s godparents had been more attentive she would be a better Catholic now. The duties of godparents ought not to be taken lightly as they so often are. (I have ten godchildren, including one deceased, who get my special prayers each Friday night at Eucharistic adoration. It is the best thing I can do for them.) Pray to the children’s patrons and guardian angels , too.
 
gjbrunning said:
It’s a sticky situation but you could explain to sis that it is on YOUR conscience since you promised to do what godparents are bound to do. That might make an impression on her. Perhaps if sister’s godparents had been more attentive she would be a better Catholic now. The duties of godparents ought not to be taken lightly as they so often are. (I have ten godchildren, including one deceased, who get my special prayers each Friday night at Eucharistic adoration. It is the best thing I can do for them.) Pray to the children’s patrons and guardian angels , too.
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Thank you for replying with such good ideas!
 
amazon.com/Gift-Godparents-Chosen-Sacramental-Preparation/dp/0879461047

You are already doing many good things. There is a great book that I recommend, written by Deacon Tom Sheridan with even more good suggestions. The best thing to do is keep open communication, not only with your sibling but especially with your godchild. Be a beacon of light to them by keeping the story of Jesus and our faith alive. It’s difficult being at distance, but it seems like you are trying. So often when we do baptism class, we hope that the godparents will be there as well, so we can reinforce the important role they play throughout their godchild’s life. And that parents should never feel threatened when the godparents question the way they are being taught the faith. God bless godparents, I will keep you in my prayers.
 
stbruno said:
amazon.com/Gift-Godparents-Chosen-Sacramental-Preparation/dp/0879461047

You are already doing many good things. There is a great book that I recommend, written by Deacon Tom Sheridan with even more good suggestions. The best thing to do is keep open communication, not only with your sibling but especially with your godchild. Be a beacon of light to them by keeping the story of Jesus and our faith alive. It’s difficult being at distance, but it seems like you are trying. So often when we do baptism class, we hope that the godparents will be there as well, so we can reinforce the important role they play throughout their godchild’s life. And that parents should never feel threatened when the godparents question the way they are being taught the faith. God bless godparents, I will keep you in my prayers.
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I’m not sure the parents even attended baptism classes, if that is possible.

Late last week, after reading gjbrunning’s reply to my post, I mailed my sister-in-law (SIL) some materials from my own children’s Christian Formation classes, with a note stating that I wanted to do more to fulfill the promise I made to assist her. I had no trouble writing the letter; actually, I felt like the Holy Spirit assisted me in forming the right words in a kind, gentle manner. I wish I had the same confidence to call and speak to her about this matter, to trust that the Holy Spirit will help me, but I am afraid of what her reaction may be (what a coward I am!). I know that she has received the materials, because my mother-in-law reported that SIL was “taken aback” by my note.

Thank you for keeping me in your prayers.
 
Good for you. God love you. Being fearful does not make one a coward. You’ve taken action - not the mark of a coward. Can you enlist the help of MIL? She might be an ally. Prayers.
 
Rosaries galore!

I know it was my godmother’s prayers that brought me back to the faith.

Let your light shine before them. You’re example will influence them much more than words.
 
short answer is evangelize the parents
Patrick Madrid’s Search and Rescue is the best guidebook for this
 
Dear 2,
I have the opposite problem. My childen have godparents that were practicing Catholics at the time of baptism but now are attending other churches because of spouses of different faiths- the best thing I could think of in this situation(besides prayer for their reversion) was to ask the Godparent who has remained faithful to take honorary godparent status for the ones that she had not been Godparent to as well. I htink that you can continue to express your concern and live your devout life as an example. Remember, as St Paul said" Preach the Gospel at all times, if necessary, use words!"
In Christ,
Deborah
 
puzzleannie said:
short answer is evangelize the parents
Patrick Madrid’s Search and Rescue is the best guidebook for this
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I purchased Madrid’s book today at my local Catholic book store. It looks very helpful and I am so glad you suggested it. Thank you.
 
redhead(name removed by moderator)my said:
Dear 2,
I have the opposite problem. My childen have godparents that were practicing Catholics at the time of baptism but now are attending other churches because of spouses of different faiths- the best thing I could think of in this situation(besides prayer for their reversion) was to ask the Godparent who has remained faithful to take honorary godparent status for the ones that she had not been Godparent to as well. I htink that you can continue to express your concern and live your devout life as an example. Remember, as St Paul said" Preach the Gospel at all times, if necessary, use words!"
In Christ,
Deborah
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Deborah,

My best friend had a similar problem to yours, concerning her oldest son’s godparents. Since my husband and I are godparents to her younger son, we have also stepped in to be “honorary” godparents to the older child as well. Thanks for your comments.
 
One more good resource…consider getting a subscription of this magazine for your little godchildren…
You can even get a free copy for reviewing before hand if you wish.
It’s called Faith and Family Magazine
faithandfamilymag.com/
Inside of the magazine there are many gifts for children you can also consider…books, videos, toys, games…religious articles, you name it. It’s an easy way to get the message through to them. Kids love to get things via the mail and this would be something special. Keep praying too!😉
 
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