One Sponsor for Three People?

[AnotherChance]

Next month, my husband and I are going to be confirmed and have our marriage convalidated. On the same day our infant son will be baptized. We only have one relative who is a practicing Catholic. Would he be able to be a sponsor for all three of us on the same day?

When we were talking to the priest, we had discussed the possibility of our own sponsors being some acquaintances who are parishoners of the church. But we really barely know these people. I would rather have my uncle be the sponsor for all three of us, than to ask virtual strangers to do it. What is the protocol for being the sponsor for more than one person on the same day?

 

[Phemie]

It is perfectly acceptable for your uncle to be sponsor for all three of you if he meets the sponsor requirements (over 16, baptized, confirmed and have received Communion and living a life in accord with the rules of the Church).

 

[Texas_Roofer]

There is no protocol for multiple sponsoring. For adults sponsoring really has limited meaning. The original sponsors were 1) to affirm the person was a Christian and would not be a roman spy, and later 2) a promise to assure the child will learn the faith. So as an entering adult neither condition really applies.

 

[puzzleannie]

there is no canonical reason why the same person cannot stand as sponsor or godparent for more than one individual but I urge OP not to reject the suggestion of the priest that a member of the parish be chosen as one of the sponsors, since that will help to assure the family is welcomed into parish life and emphasizes they are joining not only the parish but the wider Catholic community, and that this more than just a family affair. Allowing these people to welcome you as friends as well as sponsors and parishioners will be good for everyone involved.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

When I was confirmed, some 60+ years ago, it was common to have only two sponsors for the whole group. I was fortunate in that my grandfather was the sponsor for the boys.

I think it was post VII that the custom was changed to individual sponsors.

 

[AnotherChance]

Thanks to everyone for their (name removed by moderator)ut and replies. It is funny that this is hanging me up, since I have been working for two years on getting into the Church. I just feel very uncomfortable about asking someone to do this for some reason. We really wanted my fifteen-year-old daughter to be the godmother for her baby brother, but this was not allowed. I guess I just have to accept that whomever we choose will likely not be a big part of any of our lives.

I didn’t mention before that my uncle lives about four hours away and we see him once a year at most.