Future Godparent Concerns--Catholic?
446193
Your cousin is part of your family, and knows and loves you for what you are, including the fact that you are not a dedicated Catholic. Despite that, she chose you to be his godmother. Relax, you'll do a great job!
109545
Male, and normaly, I don't pray, just talk to Him... Used to be catholic, but I no longer believe in organized religion and   I am now interested in Deism. I used to be catholic, but I refuse to believe that God's love is conditional and that he has the time to punish us individually for our sins, so I guess I have my own little religion right now.
1028458
My dear friend, you have nothing to worry about because THERE IS A GOD! Oh yes!! \nHe is a father or mother to us. Just get close enough and you'll realise. You know what, sincerely ask Him to show Himself to you and it'll happen. Ask with a genuineness of heart and spirit. I shall be here to hear your wonderful story.\nAll the best
1127008
Contact your local Catholic diocesan office for lots of choices.\n\nWith love in Christ.
1122532
I'm sorry that you had so much trouble and pain in your life.  I am Catholic also.  I was away from the church for a long time because I just kinda wanted to do my own thing.  It was about 4-5 years ago that I started feeling something missing in my life.  I couldn't figure it out.  Initially I started looking for a sense of meaning in my life.  Tried a couple churches, even a Methodist church.  Nothing felt quite right until I found the church I attend now.  It's a Catholic church.  It is truly amazing when I look back now on things that happened in my life and to people I love.  I looked at things very much like you.  My son went to jail, I was in financial hell, didn't have the greatest relationship with my wife which caused us to separate for a year.  Looks pretty gloomy huh?  Where was God during all this?  Well, my son was running with some pretty bad people.  He was put in jail where he had time to reflect on where his life was going and he now attends mass with me and my wife who are now together with a relationship stronger than ever because we needed time apart to see how much we needed each other.  As for the finances, we still live week to week, but when I look back, there is always enough there.  There is always a sum of money that comes from somewhere right before we really need it.  Sometimes God doesn't give us what we want.  Sometimes that's a good thing because we rarely know what we want and our mind is always changing.  Mostly God gives us what we need.  Because he knows us.  I doubt what I said will change your mind about God right now.  But please keep in mind what I said.  Please give Him time to work in your life.  I don't know what you have been through, but maybe some of the things were for the better.  For your better.  Maybe they weren't what you wanted.  Maybe they were what you needed.  God is always there waiting for you to turn around and talk to him.  Start small and tell Him how you feel.  Even if it's anger.  Tell Him that you hurt and need healing.  I know it's cliche' but even if you don't believe in him, he believes in you and he loves you very much even if you don't feel it.  Faith isn't a feeling.  Faith is what keeps us praying when we have no feeling to grasp.  If everyone had that feeling of God's love and presence, there would be no need for faith.  Hang in there my friend.  God Bless you.
180368
plz don't listen to the previous person forgive him. You do have to chose carefully as to who you go to though. It is equivalent to any counseling. It depends on you church and how they view the world. You don't  want any of the 2 extremes not too conservative and not too liberal. The media would have you think that christian counseling is wrong but so are shrinks. It all depends on how you are trying to raise your youth. It is as everything people perceive it all depends on what you want your child to learn.
755939
I was raised Catholic, although I do not practice this religion anymore.  I hope that doesn't disqualify me to answer.  The things I will talk about are among the most compelling reasons that I do not practice this religion anymore.\n\nI have major issues with the Church (capital C, I guess that means the Pope) opposing birth control in this time and age.  To me, that is criminal.\n\nGuilt and unworthiness as a basic premise for living.  I am not perfect, but I achieve my highest good when I stay focused on the good in myself, not on the evil, sinful parts.\n\nMale dominance model, God the father, God the son.  Hello, any women up there in the upper ranks?\n\nOh and how could I forget, the church's backward, hateful postion on homosexuality.  Give me a break.  How the heck can you claim to be a religion when you judge and exclude others?  The presumption of that makes my blood boil.\n\nWhat I miss: \n\n1.  The feeling of community with others (didn't have it at the time, but when I occasionally go to church now, I feel like others have it).\n\n2. The poetry of the services.  Those readings are literature, and I miss them.  I miss the beauty of churches, the sense of connection with the medieval past.  I miss chanting with others.  I miss the music and beauty of hymn.\n\n3.  I miss praying.  I don't do it really now, but then I would.\n\nUnfortunately, I feel that the Catholic Church is a political body that claims it is not political, and this is where my greatest opposition lies.  By telling people how to vote on issues, the massive Church deigns to act as if it has all the answers, all the CORRECT answers.  I have a real problem with that.\n\nNow I am much more a spiritual person who finds greatest and inspiration in nature, connection between people, acts of kindness, dance and music, etc.  I do think that Catholicsm gave me a foundation of love for good, which is something I do not regret.
28312
Relegion is a big part of your life aparently, and you should communicate with her and get her thoughts and feelings about the subject.\n\nI do wish to congradulate you on exploring ccompatability and your future with her BEFORE you are married with children.\n\nTake care and good luck
996975
I, even as a christian, do not believe that you NEED to say I am a christian or any other religion to be close to God... actually I hate to admit that I am a christian because belonging to a group like that seems ungodly in and of itself, just because I do not want to put any group above God.  But I do kind of know what you mean because I feel very differently than either of my parents about religion, however, the one thing I have going for myself (and my parents ARE ministers) is that they accept, because that is what God taught.  They like it that I have come to my own understandings, they would never deny me on the free will that God gave.  I do not usually suggest arguing with parents (even though sometimes it is ever so much fun)... but I might suggest that you let your mother know that you are God's creation and not your mothers, although thank her for providing you with life and love along the way. (I know that brings it in to the realm of believing again, but at least you will be challenging her on her terms).  Also, if she brings up the bible in ways that are meant to say you should live like this and this, let her know that that is not your relationship with God, we are all different because God created us that way and you will not slap God in the face by living the way others do because God's plan for you is not the same as your mothers, and for the bible, make sure you let her know that while it is a wonderful teacher, you are not going to put an idol above God, that is idolatry and you have a relationship with God not a book.  Again, I know that is still not getting you out there saying you are a non-believer, but while you consider what it is that you do believe this may help take the heat off of thinking and looking at religion differently than your mother.  God created us each uniquely, your spirituality is not going to be the same as mine, or your mothers.  God gave free will to be used, so yeah for you for using it and thinking instead of following blindly without knowing your relationship with the God you may know.
60425
I have a friend who is a Christian and married a Muslem.  It is important for the two of you to discuss whether you will want to worship together (will you go with each other to services, or go seperately?) and how you will handle religious regulations in the home.  It is essential that you also decide how your future children will be raised.  Being on the same page with this is key for your future.  Good luck.
237663
Can't think of one, unless you are just a bad person who won't raise the child right.  We just adopted a little boy, and it has been a wonderful thing.  James 1:27 says  "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after the widows and orphans in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."\nPure religion is what I am after, but I have to admit, I would have wanted this beautiful baby even if I hadn't been a Christian.  He makes 8 children for us, and I hope we can adopt some more, maybe older children before we are done.
584589
i'm catholic and i feel the same way!\ni think that theres way too much emphasis on ritual (church practices, sacraments, masses, etc.) and whether or not the bible is word for word true in a literal sense, and not enough emphasis on just being a good person on a day to day basis. i could go on, but i'm betting you already think the same way about a lot of this stuff.
484040
The parents (and Godparents) determine the role of the Godparent.  No one else.  It can be different things for different people.  You need ask what (if anything) they expect.  \n\nTraditionally, Godparents had definite responsibilities.  They were a vital part of the child's religious training.  Many times they where expected to take custody of the child in the event of the death of the parents. Some Godparents were expect to help the child financially.  \n\nBelow is a link discussing the history, roles and duties of Godparent.  BUT ONCE AGAIN... check with the parents about what THEY mean by this title.
498594
you can have a godmother/father if you are christened, the are meant to guide you through life and be there if anything happens to your parents. i dont think there is such thing as a godsister/brother
596759
I was baptized Catholic and attended Catechism a few times but even at the age of 7 I didn't believe in "God". I believe the "higher Power" is within each of us and that we are all connected on a subconscious level. Now I worship nature.
240282
Many Catholic schools offer CCD classes.  Also, if a church parish does NOT have a school, they may still offer CCD classes.\n\nI am so happy to hear you want your little one to learn about her faith and to receive Holy Communion.  If you really want to "bond" consider taking a class or 2 yourself so you can learn more about your faith.  That way, you can grow in love for each other and strengthen your faith.\n\nAfter she makes her Communion, please commit to continue to allow her to get religious education, and take her to church.  So many of the parents in our church parish baptize their baby, have them make their Communion, then fall out of sight.  If it's that important that your child is baptized and makes her communion, it should be important that you practice your faith, too.\n\nGod Bless!
1146841
He's your bf, so he must already know how important your spiritual life is to you.   Of course he won't be pleased, but I'm sure he'll understand if you tell him how you feel and just say straight-out that you've decided to take holy orders.  Don't beat around the bush; in his situation knowing for sure, one way or the other, is important.  \nI have one question for you: How sure are you that being almost 21 and feeling compelled are good enough reasons, or the right reasons, to take the step you're contemplating?  I'm not saying they aren't; I'm just advising you to be as settled as you can in your own heart and mind beforehand.  If I were you I'd talk it over with your priest (I presume you're Catholic) and with the Holy Mother of the Order you intend to join. \nBlessings to you!