Obligation

  • Thread starter Thread starter Regina7
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
R

Regina7

Guest
I have been teaching the First Communion class for several years now; I am also the First Communion coordinator for all of the classes. Here’s the problem. I just found out today that my god child’s first communion is the same day. They live several hours away, so I cannot do both.

I’m so torn. I’ve been teaching this class since September. And the reason I was asked to coordinate all classes is because the previous coordinator told the class that “The Eucharist tastes gross.” So there really isn’t anyone I know of who can take over. I’m sure I can tell the priest and he can figure it out, but I feel obligated to this class. However, it’s my godchild.

Does it matter that my godchild has an incredibly holy family while most of my students don’t even attend Mass?

This is giving me heartburn. Regardless of what I do, I’ll feel like I’m letting someone down.

Any advice?
 
Oh wow…I’m so sorry.

Instinct tells me to go to your Godchild’s communion. But, that really is a dilemma.

Ask the Priest and explain the entire situation…that you feel obligated towards these children and why…but it’s also your Godchild’s communion.

I think he can make the tough decision for you and you might feel a little better because it’s out of your hands at that point.

If it was me…I would probably pick my Godchild’s communion. She comes from a holy family…which means I think it would she’d be disappointed that you weren’t there for it.
 
Regina7 said:
Does it matter that my godchild has an incredibly holy family while most of my students don’t even attend Mass?
Click to expand...
Well, it’s probably a good reason to stay with your class and try to help those who need your help more.

And no, you are not letting your Godchild down, you simply have an important prior commitment. And it’s a commitment that will reinforce, not diminish, your witness to all of how important the most blessed sacrament is.

Anyway, that’s just how I see it. I’m sure good arguments could be made for a different decision too.
 
I really think it would set a bad example if the coordinator did not show up for the classes first communion. I also think that chances are, your god child’s parents have know for a while when the god child’s first communion was and waited to long to tell you. It really is not your fault.
 
Regina7,

Perhaps you can set aside a time to visit your godchild and bring a gift at another time.

Just a thought.

Peace,

Dorothy
 
just a thought… if possible to have your class attend the First Communion of your God Child. I don’t know if this is ever done or allowed. just a thought 🙂
 
Go to your Godchild’s First Communion. Explain to your class that you have an obligation to this child for life. Then tell them that you will attend their second holy communion, at a designated mass, the next week. That encourages your class to come to Mass again the next week.

I would not miss my Godchild’s First Communion under any circumstances. You aren’t letting your class down, you taught them all year long.
 
LoveMercyGrace said:
just a thought… if possible to have your class attend the First Communion of your God Child. I don’t know if this is ever done or allowed. just a thought 🙂
Click to expand...
They are at the same time…hundreds of miles apart.

I feel that my role as godmother is more important than that of coordinator, but I also feel that my students need me much more. Ugh.
 
Regina7 said:
They are at the same time…hundreds of miles apart.

I feel that my role as godmother is more important than that of coordinator, but I also feel that my students need me much more. Ugh.
Click to expand...
I wouldn’t feel bad about this.

Just send a nice gift and try to make it for confirmation.
 
Hi Regina,

Wow…

This is a really tough dilemma to have, isn’t it?

You worked so long and hard to prepare your class, and as you said, most of your students don’t even attend Mass, so if it were me, I would want to see this all of the way through with them.

As anglewannabe mentioned in her post, you just found out that it was your Goddaughter’s first communion as well.

I don’t think that it would be your fault if you couldn’t make it to her communion if you decided that you couldn’t attend, as you would have been with your students otherwise. I’m not trying to make anyone feel bad by saying that.
 
This is what I keep going back to in your post…

*… while most of my students don’t even attend Mass? *

and for me would maybe point to what I would choose to do. out of love and concern for
them.
 
I would say that family comes first and explain to your class that you are godmother to your niece and need to be there, just like their godparents will be there for them.
 
I would use this as a teaching moment. You can discuss what your role of a Godparent is, and how you are so happy and proud of your class as well as your Godchild.

It is important to be with your Godchild this day, and maybe ask the priest to help you compose a nice note as monicad said, to each child and family, congratulating them and stating why you are not there-they will understand about the conflict of time.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top