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mrsyoungmommy
can't wait to meet Sophia!
Member since 6/10 1441 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Catholic Baptism question...
Does anyone know if both godparents need to be catholic?? That would basically make everyone who was a contender out of the running. Do churches make exceptions?
Sitting in Ash Wednesday mass got me thinking...
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Posted 3/9/11 10:01 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
You need at least 1 Catholic godparent who has made all his/her sacraments.
The other person, if not Catholic, is considered a "witness" at the ceremony, but can be the godmother/godfather for the rest of the child's life.
It seems that some churches are stricter than others. It is best to call your church now, and see what they require.
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| Posted 3/9/11 10:08 PM |
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Michelle1123
Baby #5 on the way!
Member since 9/05 7919 total posts
Name:
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
Technically, yes, they should both be catholic.
However, it seems some churches are more lenient that others.
When I had my first daughter baptised, they asked if both godparents were catholic - they did not require any proof - but I wouldnt lie. They both were so there was no problem.
For my 2nd and 3rd, they did not even ask (different church), but all are catholic anyway.
Message edited 3/9/2011 10:10:18 PM.
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| Posted 3/9/11 10:08 PM |
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MichLiz213
Life is Good!
Member since 7/07 7979 total posts
Name:
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
I'm going through this right now. When I called my church I was told not only did they have to both be Catholic, but if they were married it had to be done in the church. From what I've been hearing though every church is different.
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| Posted 3/9/11 10:18 PM |
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
I agree it depends on the church, but I have noticed most require both to be catholic. And even if both are catholic a lot of churches also require that both have made all their sacraments, this includes confirmation.
I had this issue with picking people for #2 and I found a church that aloud only one person to have made all the sacraments.
Now with #3 that church changed their guidelines and which made picking god parents a little harder.
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| Posted 3/10/11 9:59 AM |
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jax1
Love my baby girl!!!
Member since 3/09 3405 total posts
Name:
Jackie
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
Different churches do different things, so I would talk to your church to find out.
My husband's godfather is Jewish and his godmother is Catholic and received her sacraments, so I know some churches will allow it.
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| Posted 3/10/11 10:05 AM |
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babyonboard11
In love with my little man!!
Member since 8/10 1841 total posts
Name:
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
I think in my Church they both have to be, so that eliminates all of DH's family
Now I want to call and double check on this!
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| Posted 3/10/11 10:09 AM |
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AMPirate
Missing our peanut :(
Member since 11/09 1678 total posts
Name:
Antoinette
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
Each church has their own rules so I would call your parish and find out what their rules are. At my parish, they both need to be Catholic and show proof of being confirmed. They will allow a non-confirmed Catholic or other denomination Christian as long as the other godparent is a confirmed Catholic. The person who is not a confirmed Catholic would then be considered a witness and not a sponsor, or godparent.
This is the situation at my parish. It may be different at yours. The best way to know is to call and ask
HTH! 
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| Posted 3/10/11 10:27 AM |
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julesrbf
Baby Girl
Member since 6/09 3882 total posts
Name:
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
There was just a thread on this the other day:
http://www.lifamilies.com/chat/topic.aspx?ID=632772
You will see that there are a few different answers. My godfather is Jewish. Hope that's a sufficient answer! 
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| Posted 3/10/11 10:52 AM |
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Tiggeruth
I am a mom :-)
Member since 6/06 3433 total posts
Name:
Heidi
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
I know every church is different but I am not catholic but DH is so we were able to be godparents for my nephew because DH had done all his sacraments and i got to be the godmother because i am married to him. My brothers church did require some form to be filled out from our church stating that DH was catholic and had done x, y, and z.
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| Posted 3/10/11 11:22 AM |
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donegal419
St. Gerard, pray for us.
Member since 7/07 7650 total posts
Name:
K
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
Canon law requires both godparents to be Catholic. This is not negoitiable. Yes, you may find some churches that do it, but technically it's not allowed and on paper the non-Catholic godparent is probably not listed on the certificate. for example, my SIL and her husband are godparents to my nephew. her husband is Jewish. The priest that performed the baptism is a famiyl friend and the godfather is not officially listed on the baptismal certificate but he is listed as a witness.
i may get slammed for this, but i really think if you are choosing a godparent for your child, it should be a Catholic. What you're asking them to do is to help raise your child in the faith and be a good role model for your child in the faith--- how can they do this if it's not even their religion? granted, some people choose people that may not be overly religious (myself included) because of the relationship you have with that person, but I honestly believe at the end of the day, a godparent needs to know about and understand the faith and help you raise your child with knowledge and love for the Catholic faith (supporting them in their Sacraments, teaching them, etc.) if people don't choose godparents of the same religion, then I am not really sure what the point of a godparent would even be...JMO
Article on Catholic Godparents
Message edited 3/10/2011 7:21:51 PM.
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| Posted 3/10/11 7:17 PM |
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mrsyoungmommy
can't wait to meet Sophia!
Member since 6/10 1441 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
Posted by donegal419
Canon law requires both godparents to be Catholic. This is not negoitiable. Yes, you may find some churches that do it, but technically it's not allowed and on paper the non-Catholic godparent is probably not listed on the certificate. for example, my SIL and her husband are godparents to my nephew. her husband is Jewish. The priest that performed the baptism is a famiyl friend and the godfather is not officially listed on the baptismal certificate but he is listed as a witness.
i may get slammed for this, but i really think if you are choosing a godparent for your child, it should be a Catholic. What you're asking them to do is to help raise your child in the faith and be a good role model for your child in the faith--- how can they do this if it's not even their religion? granted, some people choose people that may not be overly religious (myself included) because of the relationship you have with that person, but I honestly believe at the end of the day, a godparent needs to know about and understand the faith and help you raise your child with knowledge and love for the Catholic faith (supporting them in their Sacraments, teaching them, etc.) if people don't choose godparents of the same religion, then I am not really sure what the point of a godparent would even be...JMO
Article on Catholic Godparents
I'll be honest with you, I feel like you are criticizing my faith and feelings toward religion. I am not going to start anything, but I just wanted to say that and I am sorry you feel that way about how I am choosing to guide my child on their spiritual journey.
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| Posted 3/10/11 8:42 PM |
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VickiRG510
I'M A MOMMY!
Member since 3/09 1042 total posts
Name:
Vicki
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
My church has always wanted both god parents to be Catholic & received all sacraments. My sisters church they baptised both of her children in did same thing.
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| Posted 3/10/11 8:49 PM |
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donegal419
St. Gerard, pray for us.
Member since 7/07 7650 total posts
Name:
K
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
Posted by mrsyoungmommy
I'll be honest with you, I feel like you are criticizing my faith and feelings toward religion. I am not going to start anything, but I just wanted to say that and I am sorry you feel that way about how I am choosing to guide my child on their spiritual journey.
I am very sorry that you feel that way. That was not my intent to make you feel that way. I'm so sorry! I know nothing about your faith or your feelings on religion, I was just trying to answer your question. I was also just saying that I personally feel (my opinion) that both godparents should be Catholic and I was in no way implying that you are wrong in how you might feel ; how you want to do things is your business. I was just stating my opinion and the Church's position. Again, I apologize if I offended you, that was not my intent at all. 
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| Posted 3/10/11 8:51 PM |
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VickiRG510
I'M A MOMMY!
Member since 3/09 1042 total posts
Name:
Vicki
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
Posted by donegal419
Canon law requires both godparents to be Catholic. This is not negoitiable. Yes, you may find some churches that do it, but technically it's not allowed and on paper the non-Catholic godparent is probably not listed on the certificate. for example, my SIL and her husband are godparents to my nephew. her husband is Jewish. The priest that performed the baptism is a famiyl friend and the godfather is not officially listed on the baptismal certificate but he is listed as a witness.
i may get slammed for this, but i really think if you are choosing a godparent for your child, it should be a Catholic. What you're asking them to do is to help raise your child in the faith and be a good role model for your child in the faith--- how can they do this if it's not even their religion? granted, some people choose people that may not be overly religious (myself included) because of the relationship you have with that person, but I honestly believe at the end of the day, a godparent needs to know about and understand the faith and help you raise your child with knowledge and love for the Catholic faith (supporting them in their Sacraments, teaching them, etc.) if people don't choose godparents of the same religion, then I am not really sure what the point of a godparent would even be...JMO
Article on Catholic Godparents
We should probably just stick to the question asked. Not add OUR OPINIONS> This is not our decision to make. Everyone has their own feelings & beliefs.
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| Posted 3/10/11 8:53 PM |
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donegal419
St. Gerard, pray for us.
Member since 7/07 7650 total posts
Name:
K
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
Posted by VickiRG510
We should probably just stick to the question asked. Not add OUR OPINIONS> This is not our decision to make. Everyone has their own feelings & beliefs.
I added my opinion because it is why the Church doesn't allow non-Catholic godparents (You can have one Catholic one and one other Christian). I never said it was my decision to make and I understand that everyone has their own feelings and beliefs.
Message edited 3/10/2011 9:00:07 PM.
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| Posted 3/10/11 8:55 PM |
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Irishgrl1017
It happened :)
Member since 9/08 1872 total posts
Name:
Colleen
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
I am Roman Catholic...my husband is Protestant...it was fine for us to be the godparents of our niece
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| Posted 3/10/11 8:57 PM |
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LDrinkh20
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 1820 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
I just participated in my niece's christening and wasn't supposed to. First they called me a "Christian Witness" not realizing that I am catholic/ jewish but really never practiced either religion. They left it as I am a "non practicing catholic." I say call your church.
I am honored to be a god mother even though I know nothing about the religion. (I might get slammed for that) For my sister it was more about her baby being taken care of and loved (weather it be through catholicism or not) and regardless o fmy religion I KNOW i can do that.
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| Posted 3/10/11 9:15 PM |
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SpencersMommy
I'm one lucky girl
Member since 11/07 3494 total posts
Name:
Melanie
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Re: Catholic Baptism question...
DS godfather is Catholic and godmother is Greek Orthodox and he is baptized Catholic.
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| Posted 3/10/11 9:33 PM |
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