12-27-2007, 09:26 PM | #1 | ||
Pro Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Alabama
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So what exactly does a Godfather do?
I don't mean the movie in which case would be extremely cool but...
A friend of mine is pregnant and has mentioned me as being a potential godfather. So what exactly does a godfather do? |
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12-27-2007, 09:30 PM | #2 |
Head Coach
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Michigan
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Basically spoil the kid. Varies I;d assume on relationship to said child. I'm Godfather of my Nephew so I am more apt to spoiling him.
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12-27-2007, 09:30 PM | #3 |
General Manager
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: The Mountains
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Doesn't it mean you're taking care of the kid if the parents die?
Last edited by molson : 12-27-2007 at 09:30 PM. |
12-27-2007, 09:32 PM | #4 |
Pro Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Alabama
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12-27-2007, 09:37 PM | #5 |
Coordinator
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Land O Lakes FL
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Buy the child the expensive gifts the parents refuse to buy
Seriously, it all depends on the background. Of course you will stand up at the child's baptism. Traditionally, you would be expected to assist the parents in the child's religious growth. In my family, it has been more about who you would want to raise your children in the event both parents passed away.
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12-27-2007, 09:39 PM | #6 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Puyallup, WA
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Quote:
Most likely, it would be to have another male figure in the child's life as he grows up and to make sure the child's best interests are thought of if something happens to the parents. Its not a legal position, though, so if they do intend to give you any legal power should something happen to them they'd have to put it in their wills. |
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12-27-2007, 09:58 PM | #7 |
Go Reds
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Bloodbuzz Ohio
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You make his enemies offers they can't refuse.
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12-27-2007, 10:06 PM | #8 |
Head Coach
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: NYC
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Please let me know when your daughter's wedding day is. You have some shit I want.
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12-27-2007, 10:35 PM | #9 |
Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: the yo'
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IIRC, and it's been a couple summers now since my daughters were baptised, the Godparents are responsible for the spiritual well being of the child, should something happen to the parents or their ability to do such. At least that's what I took out of it, it seems like some deep shit/
Last edited by stevew : 12-27-2007 at 10:36 PM. |
12-27-2007, 10:36 PM | #10 |
Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: the yo'
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dola,
That may have been the "Catholic" definitition, not sure if their are more than that in other faiths. |
12-27-2007, 11:05 PM | #11 |
Pro Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Alabama
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12-28-2007, 08:13 AM | #12 |
Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: New Jersey
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I think it varies based on the family. The most important function is the spiritual growth of the child. I'm a Godfather to one of my cousins and I've stood up at his Baptism and tried to be involved in important religious ceremonies (hard to do at times when you are 1500 plus miles away) but I strongly doubt that his parents would want me to raise him if they both passed away. That would more likely fall to his maternal grandparents who are relatively young. That being said, if you are concerned about this being a possible responsibility, ask them if that is part of what they are requesting if they actually do request you to be the Godfather.
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Retired GM of the eNFL 2007 Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles (19-0 record.) GM of the WOOF 2006 Doggie Bowl Champion Atlantic City Gamblers. GM of the IHOF 2019 and 2022 IHOF Bowl Champion Asheville Axemen. Last edited by Eaglesfan27 : 12-28-2007 at 08:14 AM. |
12-28-2007, 09:29 AM | #13 |
Head Cheerleader
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Caught somewhere between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace...
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Technically you would share the responsibility of the Spiritual side of the child's life, however unless the family is really religious, it's most times just a "honorary" type position - like saying "you are really important to us but not family so we are giving you this title" kind of thing. At which case it becomes spoiling the kid rotten and getting to be called Uncle GreyRooFoo, which does have a nice ring to it
Edit: Meant to also add that if they want you to be a guardian should something happen to them, it must be in a will...simply being Godfather to the kid doesn't do anything regarding custody. If they didn't have a will, then a grandparent or blood relative would be asked to take care of the child.
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Last edited by oliegirl : 12-28-2007 at 09:31 AM. |
12-28-2007, 10:30 AM | #14 | ||
Favored Bitch #2
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Here
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All 3 of my children have godparents. Two of them have the same godparents, a friend and her husband whom are really good friends of my wife. Our middle daughter has godparents that really have nothing to do with us, they use to be friends of my wife's as well but because we moved we rarely speak to them anymore. Godparents don't have to be related or married, but the point of having them is pretty much like some of the other people said in this thread. It just depends on what the parents are looking for. It could be religious, financial, or just for honorary reasons. Regardless of the reason, you have no legal interaction with the child unless it is in their will.
My advice: Embrace it and spoil the kid rotten.
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12-28-2007, 09:34 PM | #15 |
Grizzled Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Edinburg,TX
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In some parts of this country Godfather's make below average pizza and sell it.
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You Stole Fizzy Lifting drinks! You bumped into the ceiling which now has to be washed and steralized, so you get NOTHING! You lose! |
12-28-2007, 09:38 PM | #16 |
Head Coach
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Green Bay, WI
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I haven't seen much of my Godfather since I was 9 or 10.
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12-28-2007, 09:41 PM | #17 |
Head Coach
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: NYC
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Take all of the advice given if it ends up being your godson. Provide advice, support, throw him a few bucks from time to time. If you have a goddaughter, your job becomes simple: keep her off the pole.
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12-28-2007, 09:48 PM | #18 |
Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: the yo'
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lol
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12-28-2007, 10:51 PM | #19 |
College Prospect
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: NY
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I recently become a godfather, 6 weeks ago actually. It is my cousin and her husbands son. We are in no way a "religous" bunch. My understanding is that it's mostly an honorary type thing, being that I'm a 23 yr old college student and in no position to assume parenting duties if something were to happen. I believe my position is to give the kid adivce, which is something i think I can do pretty well having learned from the many mistakes I have made in the past, as well as spoiling him when his parents wont, and helping provide for him in any way, shape or form. Something I decided to do was set up an account. Put away between $40-$80 a month, and when he turns 18 he will have between $10,000-$20,000, probably somewhere in the middle. Personally, I would have no problem with him going to Vegas for a night and having a great time, but I suppose it would better served contributing towards college or maybe a car.
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12-29-2007, 12:39 AM | #20 |
Go Reds
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Bloodbuzz Ohio
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That's really cool of you JS. I hope you stick to it.
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12-29-2007, 09:16 AM | #21 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Dec 2003
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Don't ask me about my business, Kay!
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12-29-2007, 09:31 PM | #22 |
Pro Rookie
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Tennessee
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For Catholics, where the role originated, it is a sponsor for the child in baptism, communion and confirmation. It should be a practicing Catholic who will be there to help guide the child if the parents fail to do so. Basically if it is someone in an invalid marriage or not going to mass regularly, they likely are not going to support the child in doing something they do not practice themselves.
In reality, it seems to be more of an honorary thing as mention by others. I am my niece's godfather and at the dinner afterwards, the priest told me my job was to give her a present on her birthday and baptism day going forward. He said it jokingly, but all the same that is likely what it boils down to nowadays. |
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