Sponsoring for my Daughter

[Weehen67]

I have a question. My 30 year old daughter was raised non denominational. I was baptized into the Catholic faith a few years ago. (My Dad is a cradle Catholic however). She now wants to go thru RCIA and be baptized herself. I am beyond proud. However, she wants me to be her sponsor. My church doesn’t seem to think it’s an issue. Maybe because of her age. She also has anxiety issues that factor into her request. But I just read now that a parent can not be a sponsor, or is it just relating to godparenting an infant. I don’t want to be doing anything wrong!!

 

[CarmeliteKnight]

God love you and your daughter for comming into the faith. As for your situation regarding sponsorship if your pastor thinks it’s okay it should be fine. Maybe get a second opinion from another preist just to be sure all is well. Have a backup sponsor in case you aren’t allowed to be your 30 year old daughter’s sponsor.

Post script: okay well Canon Law says you can’t so whomever told you you could was misinformed.

 

[JulianN]

I’m surprised no one in your parish thought this was a problem. You cannot be your daughter’s sponsor.

 

[1ke]

Can. 874 §1. To be permitted to take on the function of sponsor a person must:

5/ not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.

But I just read now that a parent can not be a sponsor

Correct. Whoever you talked to at the parish was simple misinformed on the matter.

 

[CRV]

Canon Law #872-874

Can. 874 §1 5° not be either the father or the mother of the person to be baptised. (Bold emphasis is mine to illustrate it is not referring to solely an infant).

Speak to your priest at your parish - you only say “My church”. Was it your priest you spoke to about this, or the RCIA instructor? I myself personally would discuss this with the priest if you haven’t already.

 

[MikkiD1]

Perhaps you could attend some of her RCIA classes with her. That may help her feel that you are by her side, even if you can’t be her sponsor.

 

[HeDa]

There is plenty of time for her to get to know someone who could be her sponsor. Ask the priest or RCIA teachers to recommend some that both of you can get to know after Mass when there is tea/coffee or go to a café. There could be someone your daughter might like to get to know. Don’t rule out the “granny generation” because of their age.