Here We Go Again, More Christening Questions?

Updated on June 05, 2010
K.B. asks from Islip, NY
25 answers

Is it unheard of to have two sets of godparents for one child. My husband wants to name his brother the godfather and he knows the person that should be named is my brother (since all the time he spends with him). I've never heard of anyone having two godfathers.

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D.B.

answers from Detroit on

Absolutely!!! My oldest has two sets of Godparents and my baby will be baptized in July with the same two sets. We're Catholic and when I called to inquire about it, I mentioned that we had yet to select Godparents because we were unable to choose between the two sets of people. It was then that the priest informed me that there is no reason to have ONLY ONE SET of Godparents. I think the only thing that couldn't be done was that we couldn't list ALL people on the Baptism Certificate at that time (there was only one line available for Godmother/Godfather). However, when I asked the same question at our new church for the baptism in July, we were told we could have all the names listed.

Also, just an FYI, you will most likely be able to have only one Godmother and still have two Godfathers. I don't think its as set in stone as it once was long ago.

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A.A.

answers from Rochester on

The Godparent is not actually the person who takes care of the child if something happens to the parents. Its the person who will take care of making sure the child is raised with the chosen faith of the parents. The responsibilites are making sure the child is taken to Church and recieves the Sacraments at the proper times. The question of who should be the Godfather should be answered by who is really going to do this? Which one of them goes goes to Church and practices his faith?

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S.S.

answers from New York on

My daughter has three godparents- one godfather and two godmothers. We couldn't decide, so we just asked both. Our church was fine with it, but you should call and confirm with yours, but it isn't unheard of to do this.

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A.K.

answers from New York on

I am from Germany and everyone has at least two godparents there. Even if your church does not recognize more than one, I think what you want to do is what really counts. Also, think about the idea of a godparent - the godparent is supposed to be there when the parents can't be there, for whatever reason. The more adults feel responsible for your child should anything ever happen to you, the better, at least in my world.

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C.B.

answers from New York on

I would first double check with your church and what is acceptable for them. If they are ok with it I say go for it. Our oldest only has a Godfather no Godmother. It was just what we decided at the time. Good luck!

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G.T.

answers from Rochester on

My twins each have 2 Godmother's and Godfather's. When it came time for us to choose who we wanted to be Godparents we picked my husband 2 brothers and their wives. When I asked them which one they wanted as their Godchild, none of them could decide. So we made them all Godparents for both.

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C.P.

answers from Chicago on

I know a family and both kids have two sets of Godparents. I'm not sure if the church offically recognizes both sets, but the are considred Godparents and everyone took part in the ceremony.

B.A.

answers from Saginaw on

My sister had her husbands cousin and my brother and myself be Godparents of her first daughter. Not sure how each church handles it, but yes you can do it if you want.

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L.M.

answers from Orlando on

Kat,
You have a great question. I am a mother of 5. 4 sons then my only daughter. My oldest son who is now 17 has a similar story. I have been friends with a family that her five kids are like my siblings. Her only son is my oldest sons god father. Her twin daughters are both close to me. The one was there when I gave birth to my son. The other is my sister in law. Both girls are my oldest sons god mothers. I just couldnt pick just one. So the answer to having two god fathers is wonderful. Your child will be well blessed and taken care of if something ever would happen to you and your husband.
Good luck and god bless.
L. mom of 5 wonderful kids

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T.F.

answers from New York on

My friend's daughter has 2 godmothers. I am one, but since I am not Armenian Orthodox, my friend's sister is also a godmother!

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S.T.

answers from Albany on

I don't know what to think about that. I do want you and your husband to think about what Godparents are and the purpose of them. Godparents are supposed to be there if something happens to you or your husband or both of you, Godparents are there to take care of those children you have. I like to think of Godparents being a woman who is married to her husband and both of them take and care for the children if something ever happens to you both. That is my opinion. It's up to you both how you want to do it. I pray that you both get agree on the same person(s) to be Godparent(s).

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S.S.

answers from Binghamton on

I don't live in the US anymore, but in Europe at least where I am kids often have more than one godfather/mother. My kids have 3 each, and I am godmother to 3 kids all of whom have 2 or more. I think that is just fine.

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K.V.

answers from Columbus on

My cousin had two godfathers for her son.

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S.W.

answers from New York on

If your church will allow it save the peace and have as many as you want. I have an only child, everyone knew there would not be another from me so everyone wanted to be her godparents. Many were/ still are upset they were not picked. little did i know my church allowed as many as you wanted but only 2 sign the paper. Oh well you live and you learn

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J.L.

answers from New York on

My husband's cousin had not one or two sets of godparents for her children, but three! So I think it's really up to you and what you are comfortable with.

M.V.

answers from New York on

hey kat...my daughter has 2 godmothers and no godfathers. one is my sister and one is my sis in law. it can be done....good luck!

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T.K.

answers from New York on

we had 2 God moms....as long as 1 is catholic in the catholic church. good luck and enjoy!

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J.C.

answers from New York on

It's fine and done more often than you think (even in the Catholic church). How wonderful to have an extra godparent!

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J.F.

answers from Philadelphia on

I haven't either. Why doesn't he choose his brother?

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K.Z.

answers from New York on

My son has two sets of godparents. My husband wanted his brother to be his godfather and I wanted my brother to be his godfather, so we decided to ask them both and have our sisters-in-law be his godmothers. Our church was delighted to know that our son would receive more guidance and spiritual support as he grew up by having four godparents.

Good luck!

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L.M.

answers from New York on

Yes. My daughter has 2 god mothers, her aunt and her grandmother. My husband's family and ethnic tradition is to frequently ask a grandparent to also serve as a god parent.

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M.F.

answers from New York on

I agree completely with Ally A.'s assessment, as supporting and guiding the child in the faith of the parents is the technical, "correct" function of a godparent. I view it like she does (and so does the Roman Catholic church). Many people, however, have their own special criteria these days.
I guess it depends how strict you are. Most people I know baptize their children as a formality or for tradition versus its actual purpose. Good luck-it's an important decision!

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M.M.

answers from Milwaukee on

I am one of 2 god mothers, my god daughter has 2 sets.. My daughters both have 2 god mothers.. We took the traditions of my mothers church (which is Lutheran) and if we have a girl she will need extra female support so we name 2 god mothers, if our child was a boy he would have 2 god fathers. I think it is wonderful to have 2 sets of god parents.. what would be better than having more support around you.. I say do it.. I really like having two and I like being a second god parent.. the more you can gather people around to show them love and support the better..

C.A.

answers from New York on

We have 2 sets of Godparents. One is my husbands best friend and his wife and the other is my best friend and her husband. There is nothing wrong with having more then one. The more the merrier!!!!! Good Luck

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K.J.

answers from New York on

Yes. I am a "co-godmother". My husband and I are godparents and her aunt (who isn't around much) is the other godmother. I had never heard of this before either until it happened to me. :o)

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