|
|
 |
Grant Norris
wrote:
|
|
Good evening.
Let me give you some background information first.
My parents did not have me baptized as my mother's family is
Catholic and my father's family is Protestant. It was their
joint belief that I could decide which faith I wanted to belong
to when I was older.
Although I attended both churches for many years, when I got
older, I decided that I wanted to be baptized as a Catholic.
I just assumed my identity as a Catholic but never got around
to being baptized.
The problem lies here.
I attend Mass (not very regularly)
and my friends and colleagues believe that I am a practicing
Catholic. I have been asked to become a Godparent in January
to my friend's daughter who is Catholic. Since I am not baptized,
I am worried that my friend will find this out in the run up
to the Christening and I don't want that.
- Is there anything
I can do?
I really appreciate the time you have taken to read
this and I sincerely look forward to any responses you have.
My very best regards,
Grant
|
| {
What can I do if I have been asked to be a Godparent but am not currently a baptized Catholic? }
|
|
Bob replied:
|
Grant,
- While you seem to be in somewhat of an embarrassing predicament, why not
just tell them what is going on?
I'm sure they will understand your situation
and find another who is ready to assume the role of Godparent. A real friend
will be get beyond it and not hold it against you.
Also, you should meet with the pastor of the church you attend to inquire
about receiving the Sacraments of initiation so that you can become a full-fledged
Catholic. This will benefit your soul and your ability to serve your
community in a greater capacity as a fully participating member. As you
can already see, following the prescriptions of the Faith affects more
than just yourself; it has ramifications for others as well. It was Christ
who said,
". . . unless
a Man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven. " (John 3:5)
thus making Baptism a requirement for salvation. You should take seriously
the importance of this Covenant that Jesus made with us, and realize the
great benefit you will receive. Baptism forever marks us as belonging
to God's family; we become indelibly His children, and that is the greatest
gift we could be given. Perhaps this situation is just a wake up call to
get you moving into a more serious direction in your life of Faith.
I hope you will do the right thing. If you need any additional help with
questions, we are always here.
Peace and God bless,
Bob Kirby
|
Mary Ann replied:
|
Dear Grant,
The officiating priest for the Baptism has the responsibility of assuring
you are a baptized practicing Catholic. He will most likely contact the
pastor of your parish for a letter of testimony.
You must be baptized to
be a Godparent. As Jesus said, you must be baptized to be saved. (Of course, he is talking about someone who knows about Baptism.) Baptism isn't just
a joining thing. It is the entry into the Divine Life of the Trinity. It
gives you supernatural abilities and protections. It makes you a son of
God in the Son of God. It gives you the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.
Mary Ann
|
Eric replied:
|
Norris,
If you are serious about being a Catholic (and given
you attend Mass sporadically it's not clear you are 100% serious, but
maybe this is the impetus you need to examine and make a firm commitment
to your faith), and you have
some Catholic education, then it wouldn't hurt to inquire with the priest
about an emergency baptism with a pledge to enroll in classes later. This
is a long shot but it may work. In any case, the role of godparent is for
those fully committed to the faith and ready to fulfill the role of raising
the godchild as Catholic should it come to that. It's an obligation that
should be taken seriously, and not assigned merely out of affection,
honor or family custom.
I would not try to get away, by going forward, without your own Baptism.
In all likelihood, you'll eventually be found out and suffer embarrassment
as the family will have to scramble at the last minute to find someone (or
worse, lose the ability to appoint a godparent if it is not found out until
after the Baptism, because they [the Godparents] can't be retroactively assigned). It
is best to 'fess up and tell them now in order to give them more time to
regroup.
However this turns out, I encourage you to start taking classes about
your faith ( RCIA ) and work toward committing yourself to the faith and
being baptized. Then you can receive the Eucharist and be a full member
of the community.
If you have any questions as you go through the process, we are here!
Eric
|
|
|
|
