Godparents

[Marilyn. 340]

Last night my hubby's brother, Carlos asked my hubby if he could be the godfather to his youngest daughter, Carlos' wife's sister is going to be the godmother....

At first I thought it was strange that they didn't ask me to me the godmother because we thought that the role of godparents meant that in the event of the child's parent's death the godparents would get custody of the child but after some further research I realize we were mistaken... being a godparent doesn't necessarily mean that you would become legal guardians of the child....

but what actually is the role of a godparent?? Is it more of a figurehead type thing, our does my hubby have some responsibilities??

I remember growing up some of my cousins had godparents (aunts and uncles) and they would get extra gifts at Christmas... I didn't really understand and I felt it was a little unfair to the rest of us

[Irisheyes 0]

Last night my hubby's brother, Carlos asked my hubby if he could be the godfather to his youngest daughter, Carlos' wife's sister is going to be the godmother....

At first I thought it was strange that they didn't ask me to me the godmother because we thought that the role of godparents meant that in the event of the child's parent's death the godparents would get custody of the child but after some further research I realize we were mistaken... being a godparent doesn't necessarily mean that you would become legal guardians of the child....

but what actually is the role of a godparent?? Is it more of a figurehead type thing, our does my hubby have some responsibilities??

I remember growing up some of my cousins had godparents (aunts and uncles) and they would get extra gifts at Christmas... I didn't really understand and I felt it was a little unfair to the rest of us

A Godparent is traditionally a Catholic role, and in the event of the parents death, the Godparents oversee that the child gets the Catholic sacraments they should. So basically it's just the religious upbringing Godparents are responsible for.

[AnaAndDaniel 0]

ummm yeah, that can get touchy. what the godparents are tasked with is helping the parents show the child how to live a religious life.

and yes, they do not get/have to take the child if the parents die.

and depending on the church, the godparents may be only practising members.

Daniel

:energetic:

[Marilyn. 340]

Last night my hubby's brother, Carlos asked my hubby if he could be the godfather to his youngest daughter, Carlos' wife's sister is going to be the godmother....

At first I thought it was strange that they didn't ask me to me the godmother because we thought that the role of godparents meant that in the event of the child's parent's death the godparents would get custody of the child but after some further research I realize we were mistaken... being a godparent doesn't necessarily mean that you would become legal guardians of the child....

but what actually is the role of a godparent?? Is it more of a figurehead type thing, our does my hubby have some responsibilities??

I remember growing up some of my cousins had godparents (aunts and uncles) and they would get extra gifts at Christmas... I didn't really understand and I felt it was a little unfair to the rest of us

A Godparent is traditionally a Catholic role, and in the event of the parents death, the Godparents oversee that the child gets the Catholic sacraments they should. So basically it's just the religious upbringing Godparents are responsible for.

do you have to be a church going Catholic to be a godparent? ok just read your response, Daniel

my hubby said he hasn't gone to a Catholic church since he was a kid....

Edited November 8, 2006 by MarilynP

[AnaAndDaniel 0]

church going? hmm that depends on the parish priest. most are happy with a Catholic in good standing. But definitely a Catholic as the purpose is to help the parents raise the child with the church's way.

Daniel

:energetic:

[Marilyn. 340]

church going? hmm that depends on the parish priest. most are happy with a Catholic in good standing. But definitely a Catholic as the purpose is to help the parents raise the child with the church's way.

Daniel

:energetic:

mmmm ok....

[AnaAndDaniel 0]

but in most cases the role of the godparent is 'demoted' to 'gift giver'.

of course, some folks take it more seriously than others. it truly can be a rewarding relationship for all involved. just like any relationship, takes hard work and dedication to make it thrive.

I am sure you know all that.

Daniel

[Marilyn. 340]

his brother also mentioned something about a candle, he siad my hubby had to buy one or something...

is there a certain type of candle we have to buy?

[Irisheyes 0]

my hubby said he hasn't gone to a Catholic church since he was a kid....

Lots of people who agree to be a godparent don't actually know what it is they are agreeing to. It's rare that a godparent even gets to exercise his/her responsibility since generally whomever raises the child in such a sad case will take on that responsibility. Incidentally, another role of the godparent is to take the baptismal vows for the baby, who for obvious reasons can't, lol! For most godparents, the job ends there, except for as you mentioned, the birthday and Christmas presents.

Edited to add: Any candle will do as long as it's white, but you can buy nice decorative ones in Catholic gift stores.

Edited November 8, 2006 by Irisheyes

[Marilyn. 340]

but in most cases the role of the godparent is 'demoted' to 'gift giver'.

of course, some folks take it more seriously than others. it truly can be a rewarding relationship for all involved. just like any relationship, takes hard work and dedication to make it thrive.

I am sure you know all that.

Daniel

yeah, the only thing is we hardly ever see his brother or any of his kids, they live about an hour or so away....

I just don't want to play favourites, I had a lot of that when I was growing up and I was hardly ever the favourite

I would rather develop a relationship will all the kids, rather then single one out....

[AnaAndDaniel 0]

ummm i think so. have your hubby ask the secretary at the church's office for where he can find such candles. nothing major about it. except they usually have some religious symbols on them. i am suer some family member knowswhere to buy these candles.

Daniel

:energetic:

[Marilyn. 340]

ummm i think so. have your hubby ask the secretary at the church's office for where he can find such candles. nothing major about it. except they usually have some religious symbols on them. i am suer some family member knowswhere to buy these candles.

Daniel

:energetic:

ok thanks

I have no clue about any of this stuff as you can tell....

[AnaAndDaniel 0]

playing favorites. oh i hear you. and yes, that definitely can be a prob. but such is the bizness of selecting godparents. in any case, I am sure you and your hubby will do just fine whatever the case.

Daniel

:energetic:

[Marilyn. 340]

playing favorites. oh i hear you. and yes, that definitely can be a prob. but such is the bizness of selecting godparents. in any case, I am sure you and your hubby will do just fine whatever the case.

Daniel

:energetic:

yeah, I know we will ....

Edited November 8, 2006 by MarilynP

[AnaAndDaniel 0]

ummm i think so. have your hubby ask the secretary at the church's office for where he can find such candles. nothing major about it. except they usually have some religious symbols on them. i am suer some family member knowswhere to buy these candles.

Daniel

:energetic:

ok thanks

I have no clue about any of this stuff as you can tell....

Not a prob Marilyn. Glsd to help whenever I can. I am sure there are others who can better explain these things.

Daniel

:energetic: