The Godfather?: Can Christian Witnesses become Godparents?

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ChristvsImperat

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I was raised Protestant and am coming into full communion with the Church on June 29th. This is largely due to the great, God-glorifying work of Catholic Answers.

I have been asked to serve as a Christian Witness for the Baptism of my sponsor’s baby (which will be born next month). Canonically, once I undergo Confirmation, is my status as “Christian Witness” elevated to “Godfather” for that child or, in the eyes of the Church, will I continue to be considered merely a Christian Witness to her Baptism? Thank you all who contribute to the forums. Your wonderful work in spreading the light of Christ has been an immense source of Grace in my life.
 
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Youre fine. Godparents have major obligation. You as a witness well youre just that. A witness. Dont sweat it.
 
The Church does not use the term godparent. It uses the term sponsor.

If you are not a member of the Catholic Church when the baby is baptised you can only be a non-Catholic Christian witness. You cannot be a sponsor.

If the baby is baptised after you become a member of the Catholic Church you can be a sponsor. (In the current circumstances with the CoVID-19 Pandemic this may be the case.)

If at the time of the baby’s baptism you are not yet a member of the Catholic Church and are a witness rather than a sponsor your status in that respect will not alter. It is what you were at the time of the baptism.
 
That is good advice in itself; however, it will not change the circumstances.

As often happens in life circumstances derail plans. Because of actions being taken in response to COVID-19 the baptism may well be delayed so there is a possibility he will be a member of the Catholic Church prior to the baptism. But, there’s always a but, the measures that may delay said child’s baptism may also delay the OP’s confirmation.
 
ChristvsImperat said:
I was raised Protestant and am coming into full communion with the Church on June 29th. This is largely due to the great, God-glorifying work of Catholic Answers.

I have been asked to serve as a Christian Witness for the Baptism of my sponsor’s baby (which will be born next month). Canonically, once I undergo Confirmation, is my status as “Christian Witness” elevated to “Godfather” for that child or, in the eyes of the Church, will I continue to be considered merely a Christian Witness to her Baptism? Thank you all who contribute to the forums. Your wonderful work in spreading the light of Christ has been an immense source of Grace in my life.
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@TomH1 has provided you with great insight.

I would like to add a point. Just because someone else might be the official Sponsor and you might wind up being a Christian Witness (if the baptism isn’t pushed back) doesn’t mean you won’t be the “Godfather.”

For all practical purposes, you will be, and as far as the child is concerned, that’s all that matters. The parents will be expecting you to provide a solid CATHOLIC witness to their child.

Afterall, if I’m reading your post correctly, your confirmation sponsor is asking you. So I’m sure your sponsor is expecting you to be an outstanding Catholic role model.

That is the role of the Sponsor - to be a model for the child in regards to loving Christ and His Church.

So as long as you are doing your best to be a Catholic role model, you will be a fine “Godfather.”

Rest easy and welcome home!
 
It’s interesting to see the Google Translate translation of the words Sponsor, Godfather, Godmother & Godparent into French vs. Father, Mother & Parent in French

(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

In French, you can obviously see how the word “Godfather” comes from “sponsor” or that sponsor comes from Godfather (not sure which it is)

It seems to be similar in Spanish & Portuguese too
(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

See how these terms translate into other European languages are interesting too
 
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Thank you very much for your thoughtful response. This truly answered the motive behind my question. I will take your words to heart. I’m glad to be home!
 
TomH1 said:
That is good advice in itself; however, it will not change the circumstances.

As often happens in life circumstances derail plans. Because of actions being taken in response to COVID-19 the baptism may well be delayed so there is a possibility he will be a member of the Catholic Church prior to the baptism. But, there’s always a but, the measures that may delay said child’s baptism may also delay the OP’s confirmation.
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Well, if the childs baptism is delayed so may the OP’s, assuming it is taking place at Easter as many do. We don’t know.
 
phil19034 said:
It’s interesting to see the Google Translate translation of the words Sponsor, Godfather, Godmother & Godparent into French vs. Father, Mother & Parent in French

(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

In French, you can obviously see how the word “Godfather” comes from “sponsor” or that sponsor comes from Godfather (not sure which it is)

It seems to be similar in Spanish & Portuguese too
(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

See how these terms translate into other European languages are interesting too
Click to expand...
Interesting. In the European language I am.most familiar with (Croatian), one and the same.term (‘kum’ or ‘kuma’) is used for a witness or sponsor of any sacrament, be it baptism, confirmation or marriage. Not related at all to the words for mother or father.
 
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And the irony is that Michael Corleone is Godfather without reservation.
Looking back, one of my kids has a Godparent who was Amish at the time. How did that happen?
I almost don’t want to know the legalities. I can imagine something conscience assaulting.
 
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