Talk to me about being a godmother

I’m going to be my nephews godmother. I’ve never been to a catholic baptism before. I’m not Catholic I was raised Christian. What are the traditions surrounding being a godmother? What do I have to do at the church? What type of gift do I get my nephew? He will be 17 months when he is baptized.

Message edited 5/11/2018 12:24:28 PM.

Talk to me about being a godmother

I would honestly talk to the parents and ask what their expectations are. Everyone has a different opinion and set of expectations.

Re: Talk to me about being a godmother

Re: Talk to me about being a godmother

Talk to me about being a godmother

One special thing I do is pick a saint for the child. Then on that saint day I send them a present/money.

Talk to me about being a godmother

I would talk to the parents to see what you can buy as far as the baptism outfit, a cross, the cake, help with the party etc.

Some people may already have an outfit passed down they want to use, etc.

Once that "stuff" is worked out, to me it is really about being there emotionally and spiritually for that child forever. It is about being a guiding spirit to that child. I am a Godmother and I take it very seriously. I try to be a good representation of the church and our religion. I also make sure my nephew knows he can come to me at anytime about anything at any point in his life. I work on forming a special bond between us and try to see him as much as I can. Be there for the milestones in his life, etc.

Like I said, I would speak to the parents about the "stuff" and get that taken care of. I know I paid for 50% of the cake, the cross, the party, etc with the other Godparent and was happy to be there.

But at the end of the day, it is the emotional and spiritual aspect they need you for.

Talk to me about being a godmother

Most likely you will be the child’s sponsor since a Roman Catholic Church does not recognize someone who isn’t catholic. The role of a godmother is to teach the child about the catholic religion.
Usually the godmother buys the outfit and the godfather buys a cross but I would check with the parents.

Talk to me about being a godmother

You didn't ask this, but you cannot be a Godmother in the Catholic Church unless you are Catholic yourself. Just want to make sure the parents realize this, so they are no surprises beforehand!

Re: Talk to me about being a godmother

I am a godmother.

From what I remember... We did have to go to the church one evening and go through a class for a few hours.

The day of... The parents (my brother and sister in law) held my niece. The godparents didn't hold her.

I did buy her her christening gown and the godfather bought her the cross necklace.

My godmother who is not related to me. Always gets me special cards for holidays and birthdays.

Re: Talk to me about being a godmother

Talk to me about being a godmother

I totally forgot what I got my Godson for his baptism. I send him cards for every holiday and a present for Christmas and his birthday. My Godmother paid for the favors for my wedding and when the time comes (he's three so it's a LONG way off) I plan on doing the same for him.

Re: Talk to me about being a godmother

Re: Talk to me about being a godmother

Talk to me about being a godmother

I am my bff's son's godmother.

His godfather and I split a cross (which honestly I wouldn't have done on my own because I don't like jewelry on babies) and I bought him his outfit, which my friend chose. I gave a monetary gift the day of.

The same bff is my DD's godmother. I did not want a cross for her. She bought DD's outfit (I picked it) and gave money.

A cross is the "traditional" gift, but if they are not overly religious they might not want one. I would ask if you are unsure.

I was told that one godparent must be Catholic and the other must be a baptized Christian. This came straight from my church.

Re: Talk to me about being a godmother

Talk to me about being a godmother

I’m a godmother to my niece and nephew. I paid for my nephew’s baptism outfit (went shopping together with my SIL). But my SIL bought my niece’s outfit even though I offered. I bought both of them rosary beads in a personalized holder with their full name and baptism date and also gave them each a check.

Message edited 5/12/2018 7:56:05 AM.

Re: Talk to me about being a godmother

DH is my nephews godfather. We talked to his sister beforehand and there were no expectations.

We just went to ceremony (DH didn’t pics before) and gave a monetary gift.

There are zero expectations in our situation but they aren’t very religious.

I guess we will attend his other sacraments; but they don’t go to church regularly so not sure if they will do it.

Re: Talk to me about being a godmother

I have 3 goddaughters. For 2 of the 3 I bought her dress and outfit for the day. That was the gift as well. I didn't give any additional money as that stuff was rather pricey. For my other goddaughter, her mom wanted to use a family gown so I gave her money instead. Oh, we also bought her a cross because DH was her godfather.

Talk to me about being a godmother

My sister is my DS godmother. She bought his outfit that DH and I had picked and BIL is DS godfather and he bought his cross. Day of GM and GF helped us get him dressed and took some nice pictures. They were asked some general questions during the ceremony, but they were scripted answers so it was fine. GM put the ceremonial bib on DS and GF lit his baptismal candle.