I know this is down the road a bit but when my son is born I wanted my close friend to be the godmother and her boyfriend (DH's cousin) to be the godfather. The only problem is she's Jewish (he's catholic).
My church isn't really that strict. When DH and I got married, they asked him if he wanted to go through the process of becoming a catholic (he's really not anything) and he said no...obviously they didn't have a problem with it, because we got married there.
Do you think the church will give me a problem because of her religion?
TIA!!
070502
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Re: Godparents??
Nope, they shouldn't only one Godparent needs to be Roman Catholic... but in most cases they need to be in good standing with their parish so they can get a letter. So make sure he is registered at a church.
My Godmother is Lutheran and my Godfather is Roman Catholic and that was back in 1979.
Also one needs to be 18 which I think is preferably the Roman Catholic one.
Stefanie
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Re: Godparents??
The age is not a problem (she's 25 and he's 27)but I don't think he goes to church even though he is catholic.
emilain
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Re: Godparents??
In our church at least one of the godparents had to be catholic, my SIL was my MOH in the same church so she was the 'approved: godparent in the church's eyes and same thins goes for my best friend who is my other daughter's godmother, she was actually baptized in the church so they had her records. My current pregnancy, luckily both godparents are practicing catholics so my church will be THRILLED (the are very strict, it's so ridiculous!!)
flyin'bride
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Re: Godparents??
We just had my son's christening last month. According to the deacon that performed the baptism you must have one Roman Catholic who has made their sacraments (through confirmation) and the other person can be a 'Christian witness'. From what I understand a person of the Jewish faith would not be able to qualify as a Christian witness.
My BIL is Jewish and was not able to be the godfather to his nephew who was baptised Catholic.
AliKing
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Re: Godparents??
This is an interesting question. We were planning on having my sister (Roman Catholic) and DH's brother (Jewish) as our baby's God Parents. I'm going to give a call to see if its possible. Maybe it depends on the church you belong to?
jpsgirl
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Re: Godparents??
Nope, technically, she will be called a 'sponser' or something like that, instead of Godmother in the church's eyes, but in your eyes she will be the Godmother. Only one of the two God parents has to be catholic. I;m glad the bf is DH's cousin though, and not just her boyfriend, bc you never know if they ever broke up, maybe he wouldn't be around as much.
AliKing
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Re: Godparents??
I spoke to my Deacon last night and he said the answer was no.... that a Jewish person cannot be a Godparent. He went into the whole explanation that the Godparent is someone who makes a promise to raise the child Catholic in the event that anything were to happen to the parents and that someone who is of Jewish faith could not make that promise. He was mentioning that if I wanted to include DH's brother (who is Jewish) then I would need to pick two Godfathers... One who was Roman Catholic who would be the one who signs the baptism certificate, and the other who could also be recognized as a Godfather by the family but not by the church... It seemed a little complicated so I think I am going to pick two God parents who are Catholic. Stefanie I would call whatever church you are going to have the baby baptised at, to see what their rules are, before you ask anyone to be the Godparents. Good Luck and keep us posted on what happens
michele31
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Re: Godparents??
JMO but I would caution you about asking anyone's boyfriend/girlfriend...I have heard so many stories of people who don't even know their godparents because they were someone's signifant other... Unless you are VERY good friends with that other person outside of their relationship...meaning that even if the relationship was broken off you would still remain best of friends with that other person....
Stefanie
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Re: Godparents??
The godmother and godfather have been dating about 7 years and will be getting engaged soon. I thought about that too...the possibility of breaking up. She is a VERY close friend of mine and the godfather is DH's cousin.
I have to call my church and find out for sure....thanks girls, for all your input and concerns.
VickiC
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Re: Godparents??
Ali is correct - a Jewish person cannot be a Godparent. The same goes for a person that once was Catholic and has since converted to another religion - the reason being they have renounced the Catholic faith. You can have one RC godparent and one of a different Christian relighion. They are know as a Christian Witness. I also believe they have to be at least 16 to be a Godparent.
I used to work for a Church, so I know a lot about this kind of thing.
Jen_n_Dale
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Re: Godparents??
When I became godmother, I had to get proof that I was confirmed & baptized for the Catholic church. They sent me a letter which I gave to my sister in law who then gave it to her church.
