My husband and I are thinking about initiating the process of baptizing our three month old. He wants his best friend (who is single) to be the godfather, and I want my best friend (who is married) to be the godmother. However, I was always under the impression that godparents should be a married couple, therefore, I feel like my best friend and her husband should be the godparents, instead of two people who have no connection to each other. He says it doesn't matter. Any thoughts?
2007-09-01 08:21:48 · 37 answers · asked by ? 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
The role of godparents is to assist in the spiritual upbringing of your child. It does not matter if they are married or single. What does matter is that they will be willing and able to take on that responsibility. The role of godparents, contrary to popular belief, is not to take your children should you die. That's what you have a will with named guardians of minor children for.
2007-09-01 08:43:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The role of godparent is to care for the child should anything happen to the parents. It is easier if the godmother and godfather are married, that way there is one couple to take guardianship of the children, but that doesn't mean that two separate people can do it. Before you ask someone to be a godparent make sure they understand that role. It isn't just a fun friend that spoils them. It is someone who will take full responsibility for the children. Good luck with whoever you choose.
2007-09-01 08:42:55 · answer #2 · answered by kerijeanbean 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My fiance comes from a HUGE Catholic/Mexican family. And I've witnessed several instances when the Godparents aren't a couple. Actually, I wasn't Catholic when my fiance's sister's baby was baptised, so my fiance is the Godfather and another person is the Godmother. It's whoever you guys feel is right in your heart to lead your child in a lifestyle of Catholicism. Don't pick the husband just because he's married to her- is he a stronger positive influence on your child? That's what is most important. Good luck!
BTW...The Godparents aren't necessarily legally responsible if something happens to you, from my understanding. You can specify someone else. It's usually the closest living RELATIVE.
2007-09-01 08:27:20 · answer #3 · answered by BlackDahlia 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Godparents do not need to be married; in fact it is better that they not be. So each of you have your friends be them (however, the two of you should be each other's best friends) - only if they are suitable for the position, not just because they are your friends. Consider the importance of the positions...
We chose godmother and godfather for our son based on the face that each is the same religion as us, and are practicing the faith - it's just not on paper...
2007-09-01 11:36:17 · answer #4 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm godparent to my niece and my brother-in-law is godfather, we are both married and have said that if anything happend to the parents then I would take the children with his support.
Being godparents used to be about the religious teaching to the child, now days most people do name givings instead, that way in the will you can nominate who the children will live with in case of death of the parents.
2007-09-01 08:26:43 · answer #5 · answered by todamnlovable 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I've always thought the same thing - godparents are a married couple. (If -knock on wood- something should happen to you and your husband, it would be difficult for two strangers to raise your child together).
But, nowadays many people are doing as your husband suggests. (It may have something to to with the fact that people are getting divorced left and right). The good thing about this is the child has double the support growing up.
2007-09-01 08:32:31 · answer #6 · answered by bethany s 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most parents I know have two sets of godparents. You could always have your friend and her husband be one set, and your husband's friend be the other godfather. I wouldn't leave out your friend's husband. It isn't necessary for them to be married. Godparents are largely symbolic anyway. I am a single godmother.
2007-09-01 08:25:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Sunshinedtm4747 and Kittywhite92630 are the only ones so far who are completely correct. Godparents are responsible for your child's religious education and nothing else. That's why they are present at baptisms and confirmations. The only requirement, therefore, is that they share your religious beliefs. There is no reason they must be married, or related to you.
2007-09-01 09:56:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Godparents can be whoever you want them to be, whether married or not, and you can have as many as you want also. Apparently the traditional thing to do is to have two godmothers and one godfather if your baby is a girl and two godfathers and one godmother if your baby is a boy. Of course you don't have to do this and you can do whatever you want.
2007-09-01 08:27:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You can have godparents who are not married to each other, and have no connection to each other! I did, and so did my brother. Just make sure that the people who you choose are people who you don't mind if your kids share their values.
2007-09-01 08:26:45 · answer #10 · answered by opengirl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋