Pingback: THURSDAY MORNING EDITION - Big Pulpit, Your email address will not be published. In the case where you have two Godparents, the maximum allowed, there must be one male and one female. Girls usually have two godmothers and one godfather while boys have two godfathers and one godmother but … May he (she) keep the flame of faith alive in his (her) heart. They are planning to baptize their second child as Roman Catholic and are discussing godparents. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training him (her) in the practice of the faith. You don’t have to spend weeks going through résumés but you should sit together and pray about who would best serve your child in their faith journey. For anyone with babies and children who have been christened, how many godparents have you got?! In the whirl of sounds, smells, and sights did we take in what is happening to the child? You should have a minimum of three godparents and you can have as many additional godparents as is practicable. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. I do not want to say that a non-Catholic cannot give good Christian witness. Reply. A. In a perfect world, the parents would have a variety of choices of individuals who devoutly practice the faith in all circumstances, possess an active pray life in their relationship with Christ, and do their best to live out the moral teachings of the Church. Godparents must be practicing Catholics who are at least 16 years of age and must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. A place for people of all religions to chat and share ideas. But as Bos points out, each church or organization may have their own unique guidelines. Asks them several questions before taking them to the baptismal fount. Thus we can see the two are separate even if they may be linked in special circumstances. Additionally, those with 2+ children would be perfectly happy with different godparents for each of their children but would not want many individuals acting as separate guardian so that children be separated in the event of death. But, we are each called to continually strive to grow in holiness. But, as we have seen, with this honor comes duties, responsibilities, and obligations before God. If physical similarities matter, many seem to have chosen a sibling or two to light the candle. Part II, Trading the “Hereafter” for the “Here and Now”, Is Pope Francis Guilty of False Compassion? barmel. He (she) is to walk always as a child of the light. The Qualifying Criteria For Godparents and Confirmation Sponsors. Depending on where you live in relation to family, friends, and other Catholics, your choices will more or less limited by circumstances. Before we do anything else, we must understand that baptism is a sacrament. So, parents have an obligation to prayerfully select individuals who will assist the child as the grow in the faith. How many Godparents for a Catholic Baptism? Your sibling might be a devote Catholic and your first choice but how much help will he be from across the country. Strictly speaking only one Godparent is needed - you don’t need to have both a Godfather and a Godmother. Finally, we see the candle lit, the white garment or bib placed, and the chrism oil anointed upon the child and we are done and ready to move on in the liturgy. Beginning with the priest saying. Then, he asks, “Godparents, are you ready to help the parents of this child in their duty as Christian parents?”. We seriously can't decide between 8!! In the church where my DS was baptised, not only do godparents need to have been confirmed but they need to be going to mass regularly and get a letter of support from their own priest. Last edited 22/04/2010. If married, the godparent must be married in the Catholic Church or had their marriage blessed by the Catholic Church . with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom. Once you’ve seen one baptism, you’ve seen them all. No, but if such an individual walks in, do chose them. We have decided to have DD2 baptised catholic, DD1 is also baptised. This page explains more about requirements for godparents. Here is a brief overview. Michael is a Texan living in self-inflicted exile as he finishes his PhD. There are a number of common reasons that miss the mark when some godparents are chosen. We face a fallen world and through concupiscence have the tendency to sin, even desire sinful ways (CCC 405, 1264, 2515, 2520). Did we pay attention to the role the parents and godparents are promising, before God and Holy Mother Church, to carry out until their dying day? Hello, I am new here and have a question about godparents. They can make sure that children go to Catholic school and are raised in the Catholic faith. For an individual whose sanctity lights up the room and banishes sin into the darkness. The Catholic Church requires that you have at least one Godparent per child. Totally depends on the church. Michael is addicted to movies and books and enjoys quality time with friends and family. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. You may be thinking I’m telling you to hold out for a living saint. For their first child, they chose my husband as godfather and my sister-in-law’s sister as a Christian witness. It will be your duty to bring him (her) up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Copyright © A.D. 2018 Catholic Stand | Powered by Astra. 3) Prayerful: in conjunction with praying regularly, the individual should bring God into his or her life and allow Him to permeate his or her decisions. Each child is required to have what has just been mentioned Remember, before God, Holy Church, and the parish, parents and godparents promise to help the child grow in faith and closer to Christ. How important is this choice? Your brother and his wife do not qualify because of their irregular marriage. And the parents to select the godparents since 1983, neither the Catholic Church sixteen years age! Translating Hillary Clinton’s Doublespeak. So, how do parents chose a suitable individual(s)? The role of the godparent for baptism is rooted in the role of the sponsor in the catechumenate, which originated in the early Church. gender and the witness being of the other gender. I would, lasty, advise that the ‘best-looking’ candidate might not be the most effective if they will never be able to be involved in the child’s life. First, you need not necessarily choose individuals on the basis of who will take care of your child in the event of both parents’ deaths. But, if you’re looking for a few specifics it’s, unfortunately, easier to go negative. Your email address will not be published. In the case of twins or triplets, the same applies. But, if you wish to have more than one, I am sure your child would benefit from being having people of faith to surround them as they grow to adulthood. First, Godparents were essential in attesting to the integrity of the individual who was joining the Catholic faith, often because s/he was an adult receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (as in RCIA today). Some squeal with delight while others cry their eyes out as the cold Holy Water runs across their heads. I’ve heard parents voice the need for Catholic schools and parishes to help them more with raising their children in the faith. Avoid: 1) Mass is important but just go when you can. Add message | Report | See all. Whether you're Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, or any other religion, make like-minded friends and discuss religious issues here. Godparents and sponsors are there to help the child remain close to Christ but are not by necessity the ones to act as guardians. The Church heard the call centuries ago and gave parents (and new Catholic adults) the means to find that assistance: godparents and sponsors. Many times, the godparents will also be the chosen guardians of a child should something occur (such as the death of both parents) but in modern times this is less common. And, in the end, place your trust in God’s love to guide you through. Catholic etiquette dictates that a potential godparent be a practicing member of the church. The … If both parents and godparents answer ‘I do’ and after the liturgy continues, then the priest proceeds to ask the parents and godparents this question. A non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian witness, but there must be at least one Catholic godparent. It is a spiritual matter, and the choice should be based upon spiritual criteria. Which carries us to my questions for this article: Are there criteria for choosing a godparent or confirmation sponsor? My question is how many godparents are you allowed to have? Lastly, the idea that ‘godfather,’ ‘godmother,’ or ‘Confirmation Sponsor’ are honorific titles which must be bestowed carefully so as to avoid any hard feelings needs to be jettisoned. Yes. In the case where you have two Godparents, the maximum allowed, there must be one male and one female. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This page … How many godparents can a child have? The Catholic Church requires that you have at least one Godparent per child. When it comes time to baptize a child, it is also time to select the godparents. Canon 774 §2. above. It is possible to have just the one godparent. It … My DH is catholic. Are You Waiting for the Church to Change Her Teachings? This is the faith in which this child is about to be baptized. My friends with children followed this trend, a sibling and a friend, or perhaps, when possible, another married couple. gender and the witness being of the other gender. How many Godparents can I have? However, some churches require one or three or an unspecified number of godparents. No one is perfect. Every child should have at least three godparents, two of the same sex and at least one of the opposite sex to your child. No one walks alone in the Christian life. (Lapse Catholics deserve patience, love, and understanding so, please, do not mistake this bullet for anything other than pointing out a manifestation of relativism.). After completing his undergraduate degree at Baylor (Sic 'em!! mynameiscalypso Thu 16-Apr-20 14:39:33. What’s more, all of these choices would be near at hand and desire to be an active aid for the child. Learn how your comment data is processed. If you have had the blessing of being a godparent or confirmation sponsor, you may have attended classes prior to the baptism, at least usually that is the case. For my DD they just took our word that both Godparents were Catholic and we did prep classes without them. Godparents must have a Godparent Eligibility Form (attached) signed by in the history of early modern Britain. The celebrant calls forward the parents and godparents with the child. Parents should seek someone who is willing to accept on faith the Church teachings while reading and asking questions so as to better understand why the Church teaches what she does rather than reject the teaching(s) outright simply because he or she doesn’t like what they hear. DD1 has the usual 2 godparents, she is from my first marriage with X and since our divorce unfortunantly she doesn't see her godparents much anymore. 2. The parents and godparents answer both as individuals renewing their own promises and on behalf of the newly baptized infant. See that the divine life which God gives him (her) is kept safe from the poison of sin, to grow always stronger in his (her) heart. One Godparent can be replaced by a witness of the same gender of the Godparent that is being replaced. On your part, you must make it your constant care to bring him (her) up in the practice of the faith. Those that are not practicing Christians, can have as many or as few as they like, though it is customary to have at least one godfather and one godmother. Second, Godparents had to protect the doctrine of the Faith from paganism and persecution in the early days. Or, perhaps your sibling is to act as guardian but your Catholic friend would be suitable as a godparent. Reject sin; profess your faith in Christ Jesus. How many Godparents do we need, two or four? states that “Parents above others are obliged to form their children by word and example in faith and in the practice of Christian life; sponsors and those who take the place of parents are bound by an equal obligation.” The Catechism (CCC 1311) also explains that, whenever possible, the Confirmation sponsor is to be one of the godparents to emphasize the unity of these two sacraments of initiation. 5) Eyes set on heaven: whether we like it, admit it, or not, this world is passing. If you don’t know whom to ask or how sort through your choices, ask your priest or another trustworthy individual for help. Leads to babies having no godparents how many godparents for Baptism this article explains the role godparents!, because only one godparent need be Catholic 2 parents to select the godparents must be one female and male. First of all i am not catholic. Or, perhaps your sibling is to act as guardian but your Catholic friend would be suitable as a godparent. Baptism is the door into God’s house but we do not remain in the foyer. At least one of the godparents must be a member of the Catholic Church. Traditionally, Christian children have three godparents in total, though they can have as many as the parent wants. How many godparents should there be? This is the faith of the Church. Both dd's baptism in the catholic church. They most certainly can. During the administration of the sacrament, there are several different points before, during, and after the child has been baptized where the godparents are addressed. Some positives might be: spends time with Christ in adoration, frequently goes to confession, reads the Scriptures, or simply does their best to do more than just be in Mass on Sundays. If an individual would be a detriment to the spiritual life of the child then why should he ore she be godparent? This is a major decision. That being said, there are two last misconceptions of baptism and godparents I wish to dispel. When the Lord comes, may he (she) go out to meet him To be a godparent, a person must be one “who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on” (CIC 874 §1). But, if you’re a fellow cradle Catholic, you may not notice them. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking? This created a thirst for a deep knowledge of the faith and a desire to share every nugget with others who may benefit. You should have a minimum of three godparents and you can have as many additional godparents as is practicable. Part I, Sometimes Our Prayers Are Answered Quickly, Purgatory is for Real: Off the Shelf 202 with Karlos Broussard. 4) Willingness to learn: many of us have one or more Church teachings or practices we struggle with or, maybe, desire to openly reject. Godparents need to be confirmed. The ability and desire to be of aid to the child’s faith must be considered above all else, feelings, past promises, reciprocal godparenting, or anything else. According to the Catholic Church, a child can have up to two godparents (and in that case, they must be a man and woman), but only one is required. Traditionally a Christian child has three godparents in total; girls have two godmothers and one godfather and boys have two godfathers and one godmother. One Godparent can be replaced by a witness of the same gender of the Godparent that is being replaced. But each twin can only have 2 Godparents of their own. I think many Catholic godparents take the responsibility seriously. I know I used to hear what they said but I did not listen to them. One godparent is usually mandatory. But, baptism is also a sacrament of initiation (CCC 1229-1231) and thus requires post-bapistmal instruction in the faith. You don’t have to go if you don’t feel like it. A godparent should be a confirmed, Catholic Christian who is at least 16 years of age, and who faithfully practices and believes in the Catholic faith as a participating member of a parish community. If your faith makes you ready to accept this responsibility, renew now the vows of your own baptism. I'm not sure what the limit is on how many Godparents you can have. We are practicing Catholics and my brother is married to a woman who is a Methodist. In other words, you must always have a male and a female, both being Godparents, or one Godparent being of one Part III, Whiskey, Oreos, and the Absurdity of Hope, How Having Faith Can Help You Find True Love, God's Chat with the Devil; The Vision of Pope Leo XIII, Is Pope Francis Guilty of False Compassion? But, we do not live in a perfect world. This might be something to consider if you’re being asked to be a long distance godparent. You have asked to have your child baptized. 2) Struggling: individual who acknowledges his or her sinful ways and does the best to purge sin from life through God’s grace and a commitment to finish the race (2 Tim 4:7). Q. Below are several bullet points to consider when choosing either godparents or confirmation sponsors: 1) Active faith life: individual is committed to faithfully practice the faith, partakes in the Church’s sacramental life, prays regularly or tries to, his or her faith impacts how he or she lives day to day. My wife is expecting twins. If it is the desire of the parents, twins or triplets can share the same Godparent(s). This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. Those who would negatively impact the child’s spiritual life absolutely shouldn’t be godparent or sponsor regardless of their blood or friendship ties to the parents. We were allowed to have four Godparents per child, some not needing to attend the baptism because they live in a different country. There can be 4 godparents in the sense that there are two Godparents for each twin, this totalling four. The Catholic Spirit. I’m always curious though about who the parents chose as godparents for their child. As such, this means baptism is not a mere sign or imitation referring to Christ’s baptism but is a channel of grace which draws us closer to our creator. The Code of Canon Law requires godparents for infant baptism “insofar as possible” (CIC 872); they are not an absolute requirement for valid baptism. Many inter-denominational marriages demonstrate this. 3) There is no such thing as ‘sin’. Father Michael Van Sloun. It is expected that a godparent be a firm believer in the teachings of the Catholic Church, and be ready to take on the role of a spiritual guide for the newly baptized. These are just broad categories which will manifest themselves differently and in varying degrees for each individual. Having been born and raised in the Catholic faith and a practicing Catholic, it was always my understanding that as long as one godparent is Catholic, that it was OK to have the other godparent be a non-Catholic person to be the godparent. A baptized non-Catholic may be picked as a Christian Witness if he or she meets the set requirements. We walk deeper into our King’s home. One godparent must be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has received the Eucharist, and who lives a life worthy of the role that he or she is about to undertake. 2) If you decide to not be Catholic that’s okay, just do whatever works for you and makes you happy. Within this, they are also asked if they clearly understand the responsibilities they are undertaking. Following this are a series of questions, baptismal promises, beginning with the rejection of Satan and sin and concluding with the profession of the Christian faith. Church law only requires you to have one godparent; however, it has been tradition to have two. this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The domestic church (CCC 1657, 1666) is where we all first learn to live the Christian life and first encounter Christ. The Catholic Church allows up to two godparents, where one is a man and the other a woman. Recall that until the year 313, the Church was under the persecution of the Roman Empire and had to be cautious in conducting its affairs so … Everyone loves seeing the babies baptized early Sunday morning. We are not all on the same point in the spiritual life and that is okay. Can not give good Christian witness if he or she meets the set requirements go when can. Asked if they may be a practicing member of the faith to go if you ’ re being to. Take in what is happening to the baptismal fount godparents take the responsibility of training him ( )! 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