Can a Non-Catholic be a God parent in a Catholic ceremony?

[Disneymomma]

My brother just called and asked my husband to be the Gadparent of his son for the Christening in October. I was always under the impression that in the Catholic faith, the god parents should be Catholic and had to attend some type of classes. Can anyone help me?( Let's not even mention the fact that my brother is not Catholic.) I am really confused by this, as anyone I knew here had to follow strict standards with the church. They live in Ohio, but I thought the church doctrine was the same regardless of location. (We are Episcopalians.) Does any one know?

 

[monkeyboy]

Yes
Both godparents must be Christian, and one must be Catholic (in good standing). They may require a letter from their home parish stating this.

 

[Christine]

I am a non-Catholic godparent. The other godparent was/is Catholic. I didn't have to attend a class or anything.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I was confirmed to appease my catholic mothers wishes when I was a teen and had no say in the matter.

However, I am not a religious person and consider myself to be an agnostic. I am a god-parent to one of my neices.

There was no requirement as far as I know, other than that the childs mother wants you. Maybe they figure the mother thinks highly enough of you to make you a god-parent?

I don't know.

 

[onecoolmama]

To be honest - MB is right, but it really depends on the preist. None of my daughters go to church and are in good standing. They are suppose to be, but the priest I have is wonderful and knows my family so well...it didnt matter.

 

[tkyes]

I am a non-Catholic godparent. The other godparent was/is Catholic. I didn't have to attend a class or anything.

DITTO!!!

 

[Disneymomma]

Boy, you guys are really fast! Thank you so much!

 

[mickeyboat]

Our church required only one godparent to be a catholic in good standing. He had to get a letter from his church stating such.

Denae

 

[dianeschlicht]

However, I am not a religious person and consider myself to be an agnostic. I am a god-parent to one of my neices.

So if you aren't sure there is a GOD, how can you be a GODparent?

Yes, only one Godparent needs to be a Catholic, but both must be Christian.

 

[snoopy]

Our church only required one godparent to be Catholic, and to prove this he only had to show he was baptized in a Catholic church.

 

[pumba]

non catholic .......the non catholic were my brother in laws and they considered themselves the GODFATHERS........but the priest who was super called them witnesses and said they were fine.....

 

[Lebjwb]

I'm a good Lutheran boy and a Godfather! Now pass the Lutkefisk and the Lime Jello, don't ya know!

 

[Geezer]

Originally posted by Lebjwb
I'm a good Lutheran boy and a Godfather! Now pass the Lutkefisk and the Lime Jello, don't ya know!

Sounds to me like you should live in Iowa or Minnesota!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

How could one be a teacher and representative of Catholic faith as a godparent when they are not Catholic?

 

[pumba]

catholic and the non catholic are considered witnesses.......No problems.....

 

[ahutton]

We have had our DDs baptized in two different diocese because we moved from Arizona to Texas. In Arizona they required at least one Godparent to be an active member of a Catholic community. In Texas we were also told one must be a practicing Catholic, and they requested a letter from that Godparent's church stating they attending at least one baptism preparation class.

I would guess they only require one to be Catholic but both to be Christian so that even if one is not available, the child can still get Christian guidance, as the core of the faith itself is not all that different, just how it is practiced is different.

 

[Laurabearz]

We have on catholic godparent and one non religous wittness....

And for the record, our non religious wittness has done more to encourage our kids in the Catholic faith than our Catholic godparent. IE sent our kids their first bible, sends books with a religious theme, etc

 

[honeywolf7]

My godparents were my mom's best friend's husband and my dad's business partner's wife (they wouldn't let a non-Catholic be a godparent when I was baptized and my mom's best friend is Presbyterian.) Well, my godmother and I never knew each other so even though she's my godmother by name my mom's best friend has always been more like a godmother to me.

 

[Kallison]

How many Godparents actually make sure their Godchildren attend church and are raised up in a religious matter. We all know it's about the money in birthday cards!!

 

[DebbieB]

When my nephew was being baptised in the Catholic Church about 9 years ago, they required at least 1 practicing Catholic and allowed 1 practicing Christian. They asked me to be Godmother, I am Lutheran. They asked my brother's best friend, who is Catholic, to be Godfather. They wanted notes from both Godparent's churches confirming that they are currently practicing members. Since I had not attended church in some time, I could not be Godmother, they were really strict about being a practicing church member. I am Godmother to my 2 nieces who were baptised in the Lutheran Church (different brother's children).