Can a baptized devout Christian, who is a non-Catholic, be a Godmother? If so, are there special arrangements to be made, or is it absolutely out of the question?

-- Victoria (tecdork99@pvfnet.com), August 13, 2003

Answers

Sorry, I've been searching through the posts and found that a non- Catholic can't be a Godmother, but can be a "Christian Witness".

This brings up a new question...

My two kids are getting a 3 for 1 deal (ha ha) because they are of the age of reason (11 and 13) therefore, they are going to be baptized, confirmed and have first communion, all at the same time...like an adult candidate on Easter Vigil.

My sister is the devout, baptized non-Catholic. What part, if any, can she be involved in...and in what capacity?

-- Victoria (tecdork99@pvfnet.com), August 13, 2003.

The requirements for a Confirmation sponsor are the same as for a Baptismal sponsor ("godparent"), namely a baptized, confirmed, practicing Catholic at least 16 years of age. For Confirmation there is usually only one sponsor, but co-sponsors are usually allowed. For Baptism there are usually two, but only one is actually required. If a non-Catholic is to serve as a designated "unofficial" Baptismal witness, then there is usually only one official witness (sponsor). The sponsor and the non-Catholic witness participate in the ceremony in the same manner as two Catholic sponsors would. Their subsequent relationship to the child is of course a family matter, not defined by the Church, so the Catholic godparent and the non-Catholic witness could thereafter relate to the child as his/her "godparents". It is only in the official capacity that a distinction is made, which only makes sense. If a person is going to be an official witness (sponsor) of the Catholic Church to the reception of a Catholic sacrament, it is only appropriate that the person be a member of that same Church.

-- Paul (PaulCyp@cox.net), August 13, 2003.

A Confirmation Sponsor must be a baptised practising Catholic, preferably one of the Godparents. (As the children will find out when they undergo catechesis, there is a special connection between baptism and confirmation.) Your sister may not carry out this duty. There is no 'duty' she, or anyone else, will carry out in connection with the children receiving First Eucharist (Communion).

God bless

Sara

-- Sara (sara_catholic_forum@yahoo.co.uk), August 13, 2003.

Thanks to everyone who posted.

Everything went very well yesterday at the children's baptism, confirmation, and first communion. My sister attended as a Christian Witness and everything was just beautiful.

Thanks to all!

-- Victoria (tecdork99@pvfnet.com), August 15, 2003.

God bless you richly, Victoria! You are such a gift to all!
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), August 16, 2003.