Baptism/Christening Question

[bigapple]

My close friend asked me to be her son's godmother. She knows I'm not a believer, let alone Catholic. The ceremony is in two weeks. What am I expected to do? What do I give for a gift? Money? How much?

[kandrze1]

Probably just stand up with the godfather and parents during the ceremony. I think $25-50 is fine for a present to a god child. Emerson's godmother is non-religious so she bought Emerson a really gorgeous coat to wear to the chrurch. I thought that was pretty nice, but money is a normal gift.

[jg183]

In NYC or Maine? I think the $$ amount would be different even though it's not right!

[bigapple]

Oct 4, 2015 20:08:52 GMT -5 jg183 said:

In NYC or Maine? I think the $$ amount would be different even though it's not right!

Maine Though after college she was a nanny two blocks from where I live now, so she knows!

[teamhayes]

I think you hold the baby at one point

Cash and maybe something sentimental?

Fir a godmother I would say $100 min even in Maine

[bigapple]

Oct 4, 2015 20:02:27 GMT -5 kandrze1 said:

Probably just stand up with the godfather and parents during the ceremony. I think $25-50 is fine for a present to a god child. Emerson's godmother is non-religious so she bought Emerson a really gorgeous coat to wear to the chrurch. I thought that was pretty nice, but money is a normal gift.

I like the idea of a coat! I bought her daughter a beautiful coat because it was too cute to pass up when I was shopping for in-utero-Carter, so it would continue that trend.

[teamhayes]

I usually get picture frames iff if etsy with the baptism date and out a picture if the baby in it or get a blanket made that has baby name and baptism date

[mabillon]

We are Catholic and with one exception, our kids' Godparents are too (DS's godfather is technically a "christian witness"). None of the Godparents gave the kids religious-themed gifts though. Most of them were actually adorable Etsy-type creations - a little personalized clothing hook for DD, a beautiful personalized quilt for DS. Gifts from others were personalized, clothing, etc.

I'd probably give some money and something a little closer to the heart, as a Godparent.

For my cousins, I had this print made for their girls. I asked for the nursery colors in advance and bought a frame from Target. I loved it so much I also got it for DD's room. The bible quote is the same one that's printed at the end of "On the Night You Were Born" and totally makes me cry.
www.etsy.com/transaction/145254394

[mabillon]

Oh, as far as what you do: you should plan to help dress the child in his baptismal gown (but sometimes parents show up with it on). You'll have to hold the baby, likely when he's blessed in the baptismal fountain. I think it's the Godfather who usually lights the baptismal candle but it might depend on the priest. DD was baptized as part of regular mass so it was super-quick and less personal. DS was baptized privately by a family friend who is a priest and while it still wasn't long, it was a bit more drawn-out with lots of laughter and joy.

[orriskitten]

I think step sis gave Mel a charm bracelet with a non-religious charm on it. (We did a dedication that was not overly religious for Mel. Poor T got nothing). I liked that it was something that could grow with her and that SS could keep adding to.

[creamsiclechica]

I bought my nephew's christening outfit and a special pair of rosaries, but I'm Catholic, lol.
Even then, all I did was really stand up with him, agree to reject Satan and raise him good and just in the eyes of God. I think as a noncatholic, you just bear witness to the event. Some money or any kind of gift is fine, it doesn't have to be religious. I think their main in goal is to bestow the honor because they love you and you are important to them

[TrudyCampbell]

We chose a non religious friend as a godmother for Violet. She was raised Catholic so she's technically a Catholic, but that isn't why we picked her.

She gave violet a vintage ring and money. My SIL is Rubys and she gave money.

I would give money probably and I would say $100 minimum even in Maine.

[DesertMoon]

For us godparents are the ones that give the biggest gifts at baptisms. Usually a gold cross or earrings or some kid of jewlery. Otherwise for us it's $50-100 cash ppl give. Vivienne's godmother gave her earrings and her mother who is DHs aunt got her a cross, for us the closest blood relations are kind of obligated to give the most. Idk why that's a rule but it seems to be.

Also if it's catholic you have to swear an oath to protect the child from evil and help nurture their faith. You will hold him most likely.

[Regina Philange]

I would ask her!

Usually the godparents get the cross for the baby, but she knows you aren't a believer so i doubt she will expect you do that.

[rubber pants]

I split a diamond cross necklace with the godfather for my nieces baptism.

I am catholic. He is not.