Changing Godfathers?

UnregGirl

I'm ashamed to say I made a huge mistake in choosing a godfather for my 5 month old son, and I was wondering, although the child has been christened a month ago, is it possible to choose someone else to legally take over the role?
Many thanks

dudara

It's not a legal role, as far as I know. It's purely spiritual. I would suggest talking to your local priest and asking their advice.

Are you going to tell the original godfather that they are no longer wanted?

Mr. Incognito

My son has two godmothers, just appoint another one and keep the first one. It's not a legal role nor does it confer any legal guardianships so it's no big deal.
The priest told us it was quite common to have two godmothers/fathers.

UnregGirl

Thanks Dudara, will do. Yes he knows, he's not in contact with us anymore anyway so it's inevitable we'd look for someone else.

UnregGirl

Thats something else to consider SetantaL, thanks for that

LegacyUser

Make sure you have a valid will and that you appoint someone as guardian for your child in your will in case something happens to you. Just because someone is "godparent" it does not mean that they will be appointed legal guardian in the event of your death.

Cathmandooo

I wish my parents did that! My godparents were late for my christening, missed the mass, and I've never seen my godmother since. I've only seen my godfather over the last few years :rolleyes:

Your child will be very grateful that you went to the trouble of changing. A chat with your priest would be the place to start.

UnregGirl

Cathooo wrote: »

I wish my parents did that! My godparents were late for my christening, missed the mass, and I've never seen my godmother since. I've only seen my godfather over the last few years :rolleyes:

Your child will be very grateful that you went to the trouble of changing. A chat with your priest would be the place to start.

Yeah, that's what I thought, I also had a godfather who couldn't care less when I was growing up. There's a lot of people who would love to play an active part in his and our lives so I think I'll look into it.

LegacyUser

Godparents are not legal guardians, you and your next of kin are. It would appear that you are placing too much emphasis on the role of a godparent and you are demanding too much. The primary carers for any child is their parents.

What exactly is an outsider expected to do beyond the role of a parent?

Godparents buy presents etc...if anything were to happen to you and your partner, it is highly unlikely that the child would go to the godparent. The child would go to your next of kin such as your parents or siblings.

Unless you have substanial grounds for declaring this person unfit to mind a child (ie not living according to Catholic teaching and being a down and out bad person), a priest will not entertain you. Your motives would also be questioned.

UnregGirl

witgirl wrote: »

you are placing too much emphasis on the role of a godparent and you are demanding too much.

How exactly did you derive that from my posts? And as for no priest entertaining my wishes, well i don't know what you're basing that on but i can assure you that's not the case. Aside from that, this thread is six months old and having talked to my family and inlaws, who know the full story, a decision has been made. Thanks anyway.

LegacyUser

Came across this post in google as i am a first time expecting mother. Based my observations on your replies to other posts on this thread. Am a qualified chaplin also. I am interested to know, what the outcome was?