Role of the Godmother

Snowboardgirl Posted: Jan 22, 2003 02:57 PM

Role of the Godmother

What is the role of the Godmother? I am the proud Godmother of my neice, and I am not sure what is expected of me. Do I buy the dress, etc.

michele31 Posted: Jan 22, 2003 03:06 PM

Re: Role of the Godmother

I got my godson his christening outfit and a prayer book. And although he is also my nephew I almost always send him 2 cards; one nephew, one godson for all occassions.
More important than what is expected on that day is your role in the child's life. You are supposed to be the person that they can come to with troubles, give them encouragement and help them thru their religious training. YOu are a spiritual guide for them.
I think it is a great honor to be asked to be a godparent.

Snowboardgirl Posted: Jan 22, 2003 03:25 PM

Re: Role of the Godmother

Thank you so much for your response. I am looking forward to being there for her. It definitly is an honor!

IrishTracy Posted: Jan 22, 2003 04:01 PM

Re: Role of the Godmother

Well I have 2 God children. It all depends on the nationality. My goddaughter is Italian. And the Italians believe that the GodMother buys the outfit. I would ask. My son was christened in the gown that my Nana made out of the lace from my mothers wedding gown. It's 45 years old! I wouldn't of have let him wear anything else.

Snowboardgirl Posted: Jan 22, 2003 04:20 PM

Re: Role of the Godmother

The mom is Itlaian. I offered to buy the dress, but, she wants her to wear something from Saks Fifth Avenue, for probably way over my budget. I asked her, and she said they are oprobably too expensive, and she wouldn't want me to spend that much. That kinda makes me feel bad.

michele31 Posted: Jan 22, 2003 04:31 PM

Re: Role of the Godmother

I guess this is the mother's decision. Why not purchase her a cross? She will pin it on for the Christening but she can wear it when she is older.
Or you can offer to buy the accesories for the gown. Don't feel bad at all. You do not need to spend a lot of money to be a good godmother.

Snowboardgirl Posted: Jan 22, 2003 04:35 PM

Re: Role of the Godmother

Thanks! You really helped a lot!!

You are right about the accessories and the cross. That is deffinitly something she would have forever.

Thanks again!!

phyl Posted: Jan 22, 2003 04:59 PM

Re: Role of the Godmother

ask the mom ...thats your best bet. FOr my godson, I asked and wound up buying his outfit-which was a suit because he was ONE at the time ( loooong story!)
and I bought him a st Christopher medal since his name is Christopher...and my hubby and I started a mutual fund acct for him.

We are going thru a hard time picking godparents for Julianne esp since we expected our ceremony to be more of a 'welcoming' ceremony than a baptism alone...that is what they told us they could do when we were in our interfaith pre cana. Seems that there is a new bishop in RVC and he doesnt agree with some of the rituals for interfaith couples that the church had performed before.

The godparents I would have chosen are my sil and her hubby- both wonderful parents- and we trust them completely...but they are Both jewish so its a no go.
We were allowed to have one jewish godparent and one catholic. So I am working on the CAtholic one- hoepfully to be my brother...but he hasnt been the most reliable person.

Things have cahgned quite a bit for him in the last 6-8 months- all for the better....and he loves his niece...so maybe this will be a GOOD thing.

Snowboardgirl Posted: Jan 22, 2003 06:09 PM

Re: Role of the Godmother

Wow, seams like you have a lot to think about. Religion can be a bit tricky sometimes. Thank you for the response.

And good luck with everything.

Jenn524 Posted: Jan 24, 2003 07:36 PM

Re: Role of the Godmother

Congrats on the honor!!

I am my niece's godmother. I gave them my christening outfit for her to wear and they thought it was so sweet. I also threw the baby shower for my SIL. My situation was a little different because at the time they were living in FL, my SIL is from CA and we're in NY. They were planning a visit about 4 months before my niece was born, so I offered to throw them a shower. I know that one of the gifts I gave me niece was her silver engraved cup. Let me know if you have any other questions.

michele31 Posted: Jan 25, 2003 10:29 AM

Re: Role of the Godmother

What do you mean your child is NOT being baptized Phyls? I don't understand what the bishop is going to do. I have never heard of a welcome ceremony.

Snowboardgirl Posted: Jan 25, 2003 03:58 PM

Re: Role of the Godmother

Thanks Jenn524! I will offer to buy the dress, and definitly get her a cross, or something decorative for their house.

phyl Posted: Jan 26, 2003 12:17 PM

Question to me...

well- the baby will be blessed and sprinkled with Holy Water...and the cantor will also bless the child.
Both officiants will offer prayers over the child and 'WELCOME' her into this world.

We will prob need to make up our own invitations...since we really cannot send ones that say- come to our christening party...since this is a JOINT and Interfaith ceremony.

Are you an interfaith couple as well?

michele31 Posted: Jan 26, 2003 10:15 PM

Re: Question to me...

We are not an interfaith couple but I didn't understand what you meant by Welcoming. So your child will be raised Catholic and Jewish? Now I understand. I am sure you can do a beautiful invitation for this special event.