98). According to the teachings of the Catholic Church, during the Sacrament of Baptism, a child can only have two Godparents (Sponsors), a male and a female. The godparent cannot be the father or mother of the one to be baptized (Canon 874, §1, 5º). Can our child be baptized in a parish if we do not live within the parish boundaries? Married in the Catholic Church. Catholic Exchange is a project of Sophia Institute Press. Godparents must be practicing Catholics who are at least 16 years of age and must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. It is the Catholic understanding that godparents, in a liturgical and canonical sense, should themselves be members of the Church or ecclesial community in which the baptism is being celebrated. The non-Catholic Christian may be a “Christian witness” to the baptism along with the Catholic godparent as long as they were baptized under the Catholic understanding of a triune God. Maybe you would like to sit down and talk to your two potential candidates telling them that if you could, you would have chosen them as the godparents. In Everything you Wanted to Know About Catholic Liturgy, Bishop Christopher Coyne of Vermont answers frequently asked questions about the Catholic liturgy.Who can be a Godparent? The godparent can be male or female, or one of each, who is a practicing catholic who has received Confirmation and who is at least 16 years of age — C.L., Potomac, Maryland. A Christian Witness can be any baptized person of any Christian faith. Godparents must have a Godparent Eligibility Form (attached) signed by | R. Jared Staudt, PhD, The Lost Riches of Catholic Catechisms with Aaron Seng of Tradivox. A non-Catholic may serve as a witness to the baptism, but is not officially the godparent, a role that is reserved to Catholics alone. The godparent needs to be a practicing Catholic so that they can help raise your child in the Catholic faith, a non-Catholic could not do this. Is there any leeway on the part of the parish priest in this issue or does he have the responsibility and authority to deny godparents as he sees fit for the good of the child in regards to Catholic Faith? Check with the priest or whoever is performing the christening. Only Catholics who have been Confirmed and are in good standing can be the godparent according to Canon Law. The role of godparent becomes official upon baptism of the child in question. A baptized person who belongs to another Christian community may be admitted only as a Christian witness (not a godparent) provided that there is at least one Roman Catholic godparent who fulfills the above criteria. Can I have two Godmothers?Bishop Coyne walks us through some of the guidelines associated with godparents. Not the Parent. A: There was a general restriction on priests, religious and other consecrated souls acting as godparents that stemmed from the 1917 Code of Canon Law. 874.2). Check with the priest or whoever is performing the christening. You only need one godparent and that godparent must be Catholic. 874 §1. Source(s): Catholic deacon. Yes, non-Catholic witnesses can serve as a Christian witness but it is not preferred. Can Catholics be godparents to children of another Christian demonination? A non-practicing nominal Catholic would probably just shirk his/her responsibility as a godparent, and not contribute to the growth of the child in the Holy Catholic faith. I was raised in a split-christian home. A Catholic may do the same for a person being baptized in another ecclesial community. Fr. Q. (IANACL) A non-Catholic baptized Christian can participate in the Rite of Baptism as a “Christian witness,” however a Catholic godparent must also be present. He was not baptised as a baby as his father would not agree with him getting baptised in the Catholic church. They do not merely undertake a responsibility for the Christian education of the person being baptized (or confirmed) as a relation or friend; they are also there as representatives of a community of faith, standing as guarantees of the candidate's faith and desire for ecclesial communion (no. The purpose of a godparent is to encourage the child in the faith and serve as an example of trying to live like Christ. You can do one Catholic Godparent, and one Christian Witness if you want to choose someone not of the Catholic faith to also promise to help raise your child in God. A non-Catholic Christian can be a Christian witness to the Baptism as long as there is one Catholic godparent. Find out what their specific denomination (or non-denomination) expects and make sure you are comfortable with their beliefs. Now would it be the same in reverse? Do You Have to Be Catholic to Be a Godparent? 0. If the godparent is married, they must be married in the Catholic … I am not sure if they need to be a Baptised Christian in order to do so, but I would think so. A non-Catholic cannot be a Godparent to a Catholic child. But its very similar. In other words, canon law permits the parents of an infant to choose a Catholic and a non-Catholic Christian as “godparents,” and exteriorly they may both appear to assume these roles at the actual baptismal ceremony. Boards.ie uses cookies. But in the parish’s … The 1993 Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism (Directory on Ecumenism) explains: It is the Catholic understanding that godparents, in a liturgical and canonical sense, should themselves be members of the Church or ecclesial Community in which the baptism is being celebrated. The parents should consent to the baptism of their child. Canon law doesn't seem to prohibit consecrated people from becoming godparents. 874.2). Of course, "Non-Catholic" leaves the door wide open as to the beliefs of the "child/parent" Ergo and Narrowing it down to Non-Catholic Christians - I've found the following info which may be of interest.. on Forums.Catholic.Com - whose answer likewise takes in 'theological' considerations.. 4 and 5, specified that for a religious to be a godparent, it required an urgent necessity and the approval of the … The role of godparent becomes official upon baptism of the child in question. In short, if a person is not Catholic, but is a baptized Christian who belongs to a non-Catholic denomination, he may participate, together with a sponsor (godparent), as a witness of the baptism (Canon Law, Can. Their task is a truly ecclesial function ( officium ). You can be a "christian witness" to a protestant child with a catholic godparent. My son’s school has now approached me and are requiring a baptismal certificate for my son shortly so he can start to learn the sacraments. “A baptized Catholic above the age of 16 years old … and the Catholic who is baptized must also have completed the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Confirmation,” said Madrid. In other words, canon law permits the parents of an infant to choose a Catholic and a non-Catholic Christian as "godparents," and exteriorly they may both appear to assume these roles at the actual baptismal ceremony. My husband is catholic. I have been recently asked to be a Godparent to my best friend’s third child. You said: What would be an honorary position? Can a non Catholic be a God-parent at the christening of a Catholic child. At least one of the godparents must be a member of the Catholic Church. Answer: The Code of Canon Law sets forth the requirements: Can. Even as such they stand ready to assist the parents in any way they could for the good of the child. That's why we're having such a hard time getting her baptized bc my brother will for sure be the god father but we can't find a Catholic god mother we both feel comfortable with. 1. In this case, the duty of providing for the Chris-tian education binds in the first place the godparent who belongs to the Church in which the child is baptized. It was brought to my attention after I asked my Catholic friends to be Godparents that when Catholics have children baptized the Godparents have to be Catholic. I have a friend and his wife that were asked to be godparents for their niece; however, they have since been told that they can not serve in that capacity due to the fact that they are not Catholic. ... of mine christened her children in a CofE church and the vicar would only let her have practising CofE church goers as god parents - so it's not just the Catholic church that can be funny about these things. The role of the godparent for baptism is rooted in the role of the sponsor in the catechumenate, which originated in the early Church. Directory for Principles and Norms of Ecumenism: 98. 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. But in the parish’s baptismal register, only the Catholic will be recorded as the official sponsor of the child, while the non-Catholic will be mentioned only as a witness to the … Actually, it's only required that there is one godparent, period (there can be two, a man and woman). From exactly the same page; Roman Catholic Church The Catholic institution of godparenthood survived the Reformation largely unchanged. Listen to the audio version of this content. The Code of Canon Law (c. 874§2) allows the participation of “a baptized member of a non-Catholic ecclesial community” but only “together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the … They do not merely undertake a responsibility for the Christian education of the person being baptized (or confirmed) as a relation or friend; they are also there as representatives of a community of faith, standing as guarantees of the candidate’s faith and desire for ecclesial communion. Can an unbaptized person be a godparent? The validly baptized non-Catholic would be a Christian witness. A baptized non-Catholic may be picked as a Christian Witness if he or she meets the set requirements. A. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says “the godfather and godmother . Godparents cannot be the parent of the child that is baptized. This is as close to being a godparent for a Catholic child as a non-Catholic Christian can get. They need the Bishop’s OK. Like say a Catholic Marries a Hindu and they Want a Hindu wedding because … Baptism, like all … Only a practicing Catholic who meets the qualifications of a confirmed Catholic, age 16 or older, and has received the Sacrament of the Eucharist, may be a godparent or sponsor for baptism. How Families Can Prepare for Spiritual Warfare | Kathleen Beckman, How Can Beauty & Culture Save the World? Catholic etiquette dictates that a potential godparent be a practicing member of the church. No. If you have only one Catholic godparent, then you may have a non-Catholic participate as an official witness. 1 0. a) However, based on the common baptism and because of ties of blood or friendship, a baptized person who belongs to another ecclesial community may be admitted as a witness to the baptism, but only together with a Catholic godparent. They can foster the Catholic faith in the child, or at best perhaps encourage them in what is common to our faiths, but they cannot foster them in a non-Catholic faith. The Roles and Requirements of a Catholic Godparent and Confirmation Sponsor For many people it is consider an honor and a privilege to be asked to be someone’s godparent or confirmation sponsor. November 4, 2014 at 7:01 am. A baptized non-Catholic may be permitted to serve at a Catholic baptism, but only in company with another, Catholic sponsor, and simply as a witness. For more information, please see our Faith Facts: Spiritual Parents: The Role of Godparents in the Catholic Church, Eric StoutzInformation SpecialistCatholics United for the Faith827 North Fourth StreetSteubenville, OH 43952800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484), Invite the Holy Spirit to Bring Fullness to Your Prayer. In Everything you Wanted to Know About Catholic Liturgy, Bishop Christopher Coyne of Vermont answers frequently asked questions about the Catholic liturgy.Who can be a Godparent? A godparent must be a Catholic who is active in their own church--thus in good standing with the Church. Someone from one of the Eastern Churches may be a godparent, but only if there is also a Catholic godparent. Not everyone qualifies to be a Godparent. Good afternoon, I have a question that I hope someone can assist me with. It is the Catholic understanding that godparents, in a liturgical and canonical sense, should themselves be members of the Church or ecclesial Community in which the baptism is being celebrated. Finally, “a baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community is not to participate except together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the baptism” (Canon 874.5.2). A non-practicing nominal Catholic would probably just shirk his/her responsibility as a godparent, and not contribute to the growth of the child in the Holy Catholic faith. In short, if a person is not Catholic, but is a baptized Christian who belongs to a non-Catholic denomination, he may participate, together with a sponsor (godparent), as a witness of the baptism (Canon Law, Can. Non-Catholic godparents, the history, and more. Basically the adult is still recognized during the christening ceremony but theyre not officially a godparent. Myself ( Catholic) and my ex partner ( non Catholic) have an almost 6 year old son. Although the specific naming term of godparent arose through Catholicism, it is not exclusive to … Below is an extract from Canon/Church Law about who can be a sponsor/godparent at Baptism. For my nephew's circumcision, I've been asked to be the sandak, the person who holds the infant during the circumcision. There can be up to two godparents, a male and a female, for a single child. A non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian witness, but there must be at least one Catholic godparent. Finally, “a baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community is not to participate except together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the baptism” (Canon 874.5.2). However, a non-Catholic person can stand up at the baptism with the parents as an "unofficial witness", as long as there is at least one Catholic godparent present. 2. I told them that the function of godparents, in my understanding, is to assist the parents in bringing up the child in the Faith. A non-Catholic may serve as a witness to the baptism, but is not officially the godparent, a role that is reserved to Catholics alone. Kris L. Lv 7. No. A baptized non-Catholic may not be a godparent but can serve as a witness along with a Catholic godparent. We both went to the same Catholic private school. They realize the importance of godparents and have asked me about the situation since I am Catholic. Who Can Be a Godparent? Someone from one of the Eastern Churches may be a godparent, but only if there is also a Catholic godparent. Oh hold up! I was told only one godparent has to be catholic. Question: What are the qualifications for someone to be permitted to be a Godparent? The role of godparent is an important one in the Catholic church. Since they are not Catholic, they are seen by the Church as not being good role models of the Faith for the child. Can I have two Godmothers?Bishop Coyne walks us through some of the guidelines associated with godparents. I am not. The non-Catholic must be baptized and must be present with a Catholic godparent at the time of baptism (Pastoral companion for Canon Law 57). Officially they were 'Christian Witnesses' not godparents but they are listed on her bapt. Members of the Eastern Churches are distinguished from members of ecclesial communities. A non-baptized person cannot be a witness (Code of Canon Law, cc. Canon Law states that a non-Catholic may stand up at the baptism like a godparent would as a witness to the baptism, but only if the other godparent is a Catholic. ​The Catholic Church also has a set of specific requirements for people who are to fulfill the role of godparent. If neither of the godparents is Catholic, this isn’t possible. Keep in mind that certain denominations require you to be a member in order to be a godparent. 1. With love in Christ. Lutherans also have this expectation. My father is catholic and my mother was presbyterian, which is what I was baptized. Only Catholics who have been Confirmed and are in good standing can be the godparent according to Canon Law. For example, Catholics expect a godparent to be a practicing Catholic. A non-practicing Catholic does not qualify as a godparent; however, such a choice, as poor as it would be, is still better than a practicing Protestant in this particular role. If one is a practicing Christian of another trinitarian denomination and is baptized, that person can be what is called a Christian Witness ( the other godparent must be a confirmed and practicing catholic in good standing) and can participate in the ceremony as a godparent Charles Grondin • Download Share. Godparents can be mentors, educators, and spiritual support not only to the sponsored person through Baptism, but also to the entire family and even community. Members of the Eastern Churches are distinguished from members of ecclesial communities. He attends a Roman Catholic school. . A Catholic is not forbidden to stand as godparent in an Eastern Orthodox Church, if he/she is so invited. Yes, what follows is a list of personal characteristics that disqualify a person as a Godparent: a. the person has no intention of fulfilling his obligations as a Godparent. My dd has 4 godparents - the catholic ones (because there had to be at least one catholic godparent) who are my sister and brother, and the people I regard as her 'true' godparents who are CofE. Read the rest, no a Lutheran can NOT be the one and only Godparent. Like for example I know Catholics can Marry non Catholics and if the Non Catholic spouse wants to get Married in their own religious on Non religious Way. cert as godparents and their roll was to all intents and purposes the same. Step 6: Only with a Catholic godparent can a baptized, non-Catholic person serve as a Christian Witness of the Baptism (Canon 874, §2). The role of godparent is an important one in the Catholic church. Directory for Principles and Norms of Ecumenism. Reply. © Copyright 2021 Catholic Exchange. Catholic, orthodox and trinitarian Protestant Christians are Christian. Is it OK for me to be a godparent at a non-Catholic baptism? Just as a baptized non-Catholic can be a witness with a Catholic at a Catholic baptism, a Catholic can be a witness with a baptized non-Catholic at a non-Catholic baptism. "To be admitted to undertake the office of Sponsor, a person must:" [Canon Law # 874.1] a. These are the official witnesses that the child was baptized. A godparent must be Catholic. Can I be a Godparent even if I am not Catholic? Their names are recorded on the Baptismal Certificate. That is, that a Catholic godparent cannot foster a non-Catholic faith in their godchild, if that is expected of them. 872-874; Catechism of the Catholic Church 1255). 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. This is the teaching of the Catholic Church though, as some of the posts above indicate, there are unfortunately some priests who are willing to ignore the teaching of the Church. The Catholic Church provides a detailed guideline that must be obeyed. You can be a "christian witness" to a protestant child with a catholic godparent. If married, the godparent must be married in the Catholic Church or had their marriage blessed by the Catholic Church . The 1993 Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism (Directory on Ecumenism) explains: Christianity. All rights reserved. If there are Catholic parishes out there which permit non-practicing Catholics (or those living in an irregular marriage situation) to be godparents, it would be more accurate to say that they are—whether through negligence or human error—violating … Canon 766, Nos. Basically the adult is still recognized during the christening ceremony but theyre not officially a godparent. must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized-child or adult on the road to Christian life. Can a Catholic be a GodParent to a Non-Catholic? You cannot replace the godparent, but you could ask another Catholic whose spiritual maturity and moral character you trust to act as a religious mentor to your child. The Code of Canon Law (c. 874§2) allows the participation of “a baptized member of a non-Catholic ecclesial community” but only “together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the … By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. They tell me that the parents do not regularly attend mass and fully participate in the sacraments but wish to have their children Baptized into the Catholic Church. The validly baptized non-Catholic would be a Christian witness. There are many reasons why it might be necessary to change a child's godparent, such as the chosen godparents moving away or even dying. In other words, canon law permits the parents of an infant to choose a Catholic and a non-Catholic Christian as “godparents,” and exteriorly they may both appear to assume these roles at the actual baptismal ceremony. A non-practicing Catholic does not qualify as a godparent; however, such a choice, as poor as it would be, is still better than a practicing Protestant in this particular role. I am thrilled they’ve asked me to have this responsibility and want the job. These people are being asked to not only participate in a ceremony that connects and strengthens a persons bond with the holy spirit. The Catholic institution of godparenthood survived the Reformation largely unchanged. A baptized non-Catholic may not be a godparent but can serve as a witness along with a Catholic godparent. REFERENCE: The Role of Godparents - Catholic Education There can be up to two godparents, a male and a female, for a single child. But its very similar. But in the parish's baptismal register, only the Catholic will be recorded as the official sponsor of the child, while the non-Catholic will be mentioned only as a witness to the … Question: Can you please clarify for me, something that is confusing regarding choosing godparents for baby’s baptism in the Catholic Church. A godparent of a Catholic child should be Catholic. 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. b. the person is younger than the age that has been stipulated by the diocesan Bishop, usually age 16. c. the person is not a Catholic. Yes. Perhaps Godparents offer a fresh perspective on issues that kids face. Technically yes, if the baby is in an emergency situation (such as serious illness or near death), but the secret-baptism-in-grandma’s-kitchen-sink while valid if done in the right way isn’t really condoned. Leonie_Ambrose February 26, 2009, 12:36am #2. levavi, The following link should assist you in better understanding the Catholic Church’s teaching on taking part in a non-Catholic baptism. Ordinarily, the sponsor for any sacrament of initiation - baptism, confirmation, eucharist - is a member of the communion into which the elect or the aspirant is being baptised/confirmed/admitted to communion. A godparent must normally be an appropriate person, at least sixteen years of age, a confirmed Catholic who has received the Eucharist, not under any canonical penalty, and may not be the parent of the child. A Catholic can choose 2 godparents (male and female), 1 godparent or 1 godparent and 1 christian witness for each child to be baptized. 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Since I am not Catholic, they are not Catholic asked to be godparent... Not foster a non-Catholic faith in their godchild, if he/she is so invited witness if he or meets! The priest or whoever is performing the christening Eligibility Form ( attached ) signed by Canon Law forth. The sandak, the Lost Riches of Catholic Catechisms with Aaron Seng of Tradivox people are asked! A member of the child that is expected of them recognized during circumcision. A parish if we do not live within the parish boundaries role of godparent is an one! Witness if he or she meets the set requirements two, a being! Presbyterian, which is What I was told only one godparent has to be a of... And godmother forbidden to stand as godparent in an Eastern orthodox Church, if is. With godparents agreeing to our use of cookies were 'Christian witnesses ' not godparents but are!