Catholic Godparent question

[Siera]

My husband and I are trying to decide on godparents for our DD who we need to baptize either this month or next. He would prefer his brother (they are very close) and his wife. I, however, have a problem with the SIL and really would not like her to be my daughter's godmother. Also, since I am an only child, BIL and SIL will be DD's only aunt and uncle ever. I'd like to give the role of godparent to someone else. I also don't believe that SIL would be a good godparent. However, I am a convert, so there is no one in my family that I can choose. I've asked a close friend to be godmother, but she turned me down because she feels that it would be too large of a responsibility since she has 3 other godchildren. What do I do? Do I just go ahead and go with the SIL or do I stand my ground? I really don't want to keep arguing with my husband over this, but I am trying to take the role of godparents seriously and choose people that I think would be the best. TIA!

[spero]

Instead of having a Catholic godmother, it is perfectly acceptable to have a "Christian witness/Christian sponsor" instead - especially if you feel that your Catholic options are limited or problematic.

[kdabbler]

Spero is right. A non-Catholic will be listed as a witness on the baptismal certificate.

IMHO, my friend participates more in the spiritual formation of my kids than their Catholic Godfather.

ETA: having only one godparent is acceptable.

[Lit Chick]

Huh... in my area, the churches were all crazy about everyone needing to be catholic in order to participate. But I (the mom) perhaps made a boo-boo when I informed them I was not Catholic - maybe the churches were just PO'ed that they were not getting my full "business", lol. We ended up not doing anything, much to the horror of my grandparents. Ah well.

I was raised Cath though, and nearly all my fam and in-laws are still. I would say go with BIL and SIL. At this point, the whole guiding role is largely ceremony. When your child gets to Confirmation age, she will choose her own sponsor. My GM was my mom's best friend, and they moved when I was very little. She had nothing to do as far as spiritual duties. I chose my aunt as my sponsor at Conf time - she is very invloved with the Church and we are close.

I think it would be a very nice gesture to have BIL and SIL - your DH would be pleased! Snubbing SIL and only having 1 GP would create more discord than you need.

[ollineeba]

I would just have BIL be the godfather & find someone else to be the Christian Witness, or just go with BIL. You don't have to have a godmother.
I wouldn't choose SIL if you're uncomfortable with it.
It might be best to choose another couple completely.

Good luck! I know how difficult it is to choose the right godparents for your baby (I had to do it three times!)

[elmh23]

I wasn't Catholic when dd was baptized (was married in the Church first though.) She has a Godmother (her then-Catholic aunt, not sure if she's still Catholic or just goes when she's in town with her mother) and an "Official Witness" (dh's best friend who was raised Catholic but is no longer practicing.) They had no problem with it as long as one of the Godparents is in good standing with the Church.