My brother and sister-in-law are expecting a baby later this month and have asked me to be the godmother!!! However, I am not Catholic and I am unfamilar with the ceremony and duties. Please fill me in so I am not looking completely clueless about this.
2007-06-02 16:46:08 · 9 answers · asked by JenEstes 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am actually familiar with this situation. When I was a protestant, I was asked to be godmother to a Catholic boy. The priest said that since I wasn't Catholic, I would technically be a "Christian witness" instead of a godparent, but no problem. Later, after I had become a Catholic, I asked a protestant to be godmother to my daughter, and the same applied.
The duty of the godparent (or Christian witness) is to try to support the godchild in his/her spiritual development, religious education, sacraments, etc. The parents actually have the real burden in this, though. You would encourage the child in Christian development. If practical, you would probably attend the child's First Communion and Confirmation, or at least send a card and gift.
Before the baptism, you all will meet with the priest and you can also clarify any questions then. I must admit that when I introduced my protestant friend to the priest, he wasn't overly encouraging about it, but he permitted it.
Discuss with the parents whether there is anything else they would expect you to do, so there won't be any misunderstanding.
2007-06-02 17:23:04 · answer #1 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot be a godparent but you can be an official witness.
Actually only one Godparent is necessary. You can have one godfather, one godmother, or one of each.
The role of the godfather and/or godmother is very important. They must be firm Catholic believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized—child or adult—on the road of Christian life.
To ensure this, a godparent must be at least 16 years old (for maturity's sake), fully initiated (having received Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist), be someone other than the legal parents, and one who leads a life in harmony with the Church.
If you have only one Catholic godparent, then you may have a non-Catholic participate as an official witness. The witness will be responsible for setting a good example for the baptized person while the Catholic godparent will share the specifics of the Catholic faith.
With love in Christ.
2007-06-03 15:37:17 · answer #2 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am the Godfather of one of my nephews. I love that I was asked. And, like you, I am not Catholic.
They will explain the actual ceremony and duties before the Baptism. But a lot of it involves agreeing to help bring the child up in the Catholic faith. This does not mean you have to be Catholic, but that you are supportive of the child's faith and try your best to help them grow in that faith.
I found this website. I didn't read through it all the way, but like the top 5 things listed at the top. I think it sums it up very well.
http://www.egodparent.com/Godparenting.htm
Matt
2007-06-02 17:04:19 · answer #3 · answered by mattfromasia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A godmother or godfather are there to help the parents to bring up the child in the faith. My brothers godmother is always giving candy to my siblings. Really you are like an aunt to the child and go to their birthday party and to their baptism. The church will provide you with a little booklet or paper to read off of. All I will say now is good luck.
2007-06-02 16:55:31 · answer #4 · answered by Tirithel 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I suppose the Real Presence is primary why I love the Catholic Church. There is not anything I dislike peculiarly approximately the Catholic Church. I do dislike how a few folks even Catholics more commonly time reward the lessons of the Catholic Church. I heard a former Baptist minister state that in spite of the shortcomings and commonly terrible disasters of the Popes ago the Rock has consistently remained. I observed what I more commonly heard from schoolmates who have been Catholic ago have been simplications in their knowledge of Catholic instructing. Mary used to be anything to start with I wasn't so definite approximately however have turn out to be increasingly conscious of her value as a well pal. Actually we suppose everybody in Heaven is a saint and the ones folks can support us through their prayers on our lifestyles travel. If you believe any person is in Heaven there's no motive you cannot requested them to wish for you. I have had a few stories ago four of five years that experience made me conscious of a pal I have in Heaven.
2016-09-05 20:16:30 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well usually godparents are suppose to tech ur godchild to be closer to god and to the religion and usually godparents are suppose to be catholics well i have godparents and they dont do anything lol
2007-06-02 16:48:55 · answer #6 · answered by ILOVEU 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nowadays it is expected that you will share the responsibility to raise the child in the faith that he/she is baptized into.
2007-06-02 16:51:31 · answer #7 · answered by Makemeaspark 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
watch the Godfather first.
2007-06-02 16:48:31 · answer #8 · answered by mick 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
its all fake just act like u are interested.... All church rituals are ridiculous
2007-06-02 16:51:09 · answer #9 · answered by suzy 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋