Got curious on this one, so I did a quick Google. Depends on the church and the actual ceremony. For example one Anglican church insisted on at least 1, but preferred 3, godparent, whilst a different Anglican church preferred there to be godparents, but did not require it.
God Parents and legal guardians (in the case of something happening to both parents) are actually separate roles, but can be the same people if you wish.
There doesnt seem to be anyone around here that fit into that role thats all..
Me and DP dont have much to do with religion so we dont really need anyone guiding her through the religous belief iykwim. I want Mia to pick her own beliefs, but that being said i would still like her to be christened.
if you don't have religious beliefs would you be better off having a naming day for her - that way she's been officially welcomed into the world, but in a non-religious way...
Why have her christened if you and DP don't observe the religion/faith etc? Depending on which faith, you as the parents may be required to do some religious instruction stuff too.
Not being rude, but I think you need to re-examine the reason why you would have her christened.
I think its more a lack of faith point though. Christening is all about being officially welcomed to the church community and through the ceremony you will be asked to promise to ensure the child religious edumaction - are you willing to do that even though religious faith (no matter what form) is not important to you? Its an empty promise iykwim?
There are lots of different ways and rituals to welcome a child into the world. Naming ceremonies are big in the non religious community. They can be really, really lovely - there are lots of celebrants that do this type of thing, I've been to heaps!
we are both believers we just dont go to church every sunday.. thats what i meant by not really following it. I wouldnt have a problem teaching her what ever i need to when it comes to religion. It will be a special day for the whole family as i wish to hold it on the 5th Feb 2009 as this is my fathers (he passed away 12/12/07) birthday and its sort of her little connection to him through a holy place. Does that make sense. Its hard to explain..
DP was christened cathlic (sp) so i think i would have to stick with that. ?!?!?
i would LOVE for my mum to be the godmother but then we have the problem of matts parents and them being left out (oh they are sooks) and i really dont want them to be involved in something like this..
if you're looking at a catholic baptism, i believe you'll need at least one godparent that is from the catholic church (not necessarily active in the church, but is a confirmed catholic). this is my understanding of the catholic process. i would go and speak to the priest at your local church and ask them what their "rules" are as such.
even though DH and i are not active in the church, i am a confirmed catholic. i do struggle with some of the stances the church have made and as a result, i don't attend church, but i do have my beliefs, and our children will be baptised with catholic godparents. DH is not catholic, but given our choice of godparents (bro and sil) he agrees that a catholic ceremony is appropriate. our children won't be raised attending church, but will be bought up with christian beliefs. if, when they are old enough, they wish to attend church, i have no drama with this (it's next door!) - but it will be their choice
if this is the way you're looking at it, definitely speak to the priest about what the expectation re god parents is - and if you want your mum as the only godparent, so be it. give his parents another "special" role in Mia's life!
Holly I am catholic and although I don't go to church every sunday (or very often for that matter!) I had DD christened. It was a requirement to have at least one godparent and yes BG is right, one of the godparents has to be catholic. You don't have to go to a catholic church, you should go somewhere where both you and Matt are comfortable and understand the implications of the ceremony.
I think if you really want your mum as godparent then you should do it! Your daughter and your decision, Matts parents will just have to get over it lol! Maybe they could be involved in something else on the day? Like doing a reading, helping to dress Mia........just a thought?
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