My understanding of a godparent is one that will alway play a special spiritual role through out a childs life. A godparent should be a good christian role model, setting examples.... What happens when a godparent is not a part of the child's life due to divorce or there own unfortunate short comings on their part?

-- Jamie Cloutier (mother2_2@hotmail.com), October 17, 2002

Answers

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-- (bump@ topit.com), October 18, 2002.

Unfortunately once a godparent is named, it cannot be changed. So one should choose wisely. If there is a divorce, you can still encourage that person to play an active role in the child's life. If there are short comings on their part, you could gently educate them on what role you would like them to play, expectations you have, etc. That would require work on your part, but potentially well worth it. If none of this works, then as the child gets old enough to understand, you could explain what happened, that you chose this person to be their godparent, but unfortunately it didn't work out the way you had hoped. Try to find other good Christian Catholic role models for the child. That will be helpful when it comes to confirmation time and they need a sponsor.

-- ^ (trying@tohelp.com), October 18, 2002.

I'm not sure about the previous answer. It was my understanding that a new godparent could be given. I will research this more and attempt to post tomorrow.

-- Glenn (glenn@nospam.com), October 18, 2002.

Well, I've spent some time searching for a better answer. But it appears that I may have been wrong. Two different sites I visited said the best that can be done is to ask another person to "assume" the role. But the Church does not have a procedure to do this.

God Bless!

-- Glenn (glenn@nospam.com), October 19, 2002.

Glenn - I am saddened to read your research result. Sad for the laws of the Church written in stone so to speak.

-- jean bouchard (jeanb@cwk.imag.net), October 20, 2002.

Jean,

Do not think that my research displays the complete teaching of the Catholic Church. I am limited to my means. But even if it proves true, it is not that bad. If a true Catholic accepts the responsibilities of the godparent, that would be a blessing for the child.

God Bless.

-- Glenn (glenn@nospam.com), October 20, 2002.