September 23, 2022

Q: I am pregnant and cannot help being worried about my child’s baptism. Specifically, what worries me is who to pick to be his godparents. My husband and I take our faith seriously and don’t have a circle of friends or family members whom we find suitable to be godparents. What can be done in situations where you have nobody to be a godparent for baptism? We don’t want to pick just anybody. Please help. Thanks. – D.

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC

A: I’m sorry to hear that you have such a hard time finding sponsors (the technical term) for the baptism.

You might want to speak with your pastor; he could appoint a sponsor if need.

Strictly speaking, it need not be a close relative or friend who serves as a godparent. And given the mobility of people nowadays, it’s not uncommon for godparents to be at a great physical distance from their godchildren.

This might be a good moment to step back and look at the big picture.

Obviously, you want your child to grow up in the faith. That means it will help if you and your husband can begin to network with people who are living their faith. Baptism is only the start of a journey, and your baby will need the support of other faithful people throughout life.

Nowadays, with families so divided over moral issues, the people with whom you most likely will have a lot in common could be the folks you meet at Mass or at pro-life events, for instance.

If you don’t have any friends like this, it would be good to figure out ways you find them. This is partly defensive, for it’s easier to live your faith within a community of believers.

You might start by searching the Internet for Catholic events and/or groups in your area. You could start attending the events and building friendships. Little by little you might find networks of families with whom you share a lot.

This might be something worth taking to prayer.

Count on my prayers for you and your husband and the little one.