Godparents? Part 2

[cmaD2006]

That is a "Holy cow" moment ... and I wonder, if you didn't agree to it ... does that make the Baptism invalid?

I would definitely talk to the priest.

[Slappo]

[quote name='cmariadiaz' timestamp='1347298297' post='2481002']
That is a "Holy cow" moment ... and I wonder, if you didn't agree to it ... [b]does that make the Baptism invalid[/b]?

I would definitely talk to the priest.
[/quote]

It most definitely does not invalidate the Baptism. It might invalidate her as a godparent as she did not consent to holding a moral responsibility to ensure the child is raised in the faith, but the Baptism is definitely valid assuming the trinitarian formula was used and the preist intended to do what the Church does I.E baptize.

[TheresaThoma]

Definitely discuss this with the priest. He may not have been aware that you were not specifically asked to be the Godparent.

[cmaD2006]

[quote name='Slappo' timestamp='1347308969' post='2481072']
It most definitely does not invalidate the Baptism. It might invalidate her as a godparent as she did not consent to holding a moral responsibility to ensure the child is raised in the faith, but the Baptism is definitely valid assuming the trinitarian formula was used and the preist intended to do what the Church does I.E baptize.
[/quote]

I guess that the priest's intent suffices? I didn't question the matter nor the form, but the intent. If the Godparent didn't intend to be a Godparent, I was curious if that would change the situation.

It could definitely be illicit ... but I do suspect that the poor priest just didn't know. That was bad with respect to what the parent did though.

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='cmariadiaz' timestamp='1347312059' post='2481081']
I guess that the priest's intent suffices? I didn't question the matter nor the form, but the intent. If the Godparent didn't intend to be a Godparent, I was curious if that would change the situation.

It could definitely be illicit ... but I do suspect that the poor priest just didn't know. That was bad with respect to what the parent did though.
[/quote]

As far as I understand sacramental theology, intent is interpreted pretty minimally.

[carmenchristi]

Without question the baptism is valid, since a godparent isn't necessary for a valid baptism. Anyway, my dad said that the priest knows them and knows that I was a sister and so I guess that sufficed for him to guess that I was a Catholic in good standing... and he probably assumed that I had been asked personally. (After all, what kind of wacko doesn't ask someone before putting his/her name down?). I'm pretty sure that invalidates my responsibility as a godparent, but I'll do what I can and the most that I can do is pray for the kid.

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='carmenchristi' timestamp='1347484299' post='2481797']
Without question the baptism is valid, since a godparent isn't necessary for a valid baptism. Anyway, my dad said that the priest knows them and knows that I was a sister and so I guess that sufficed for him to guess that I was a Catholic in good standing... and he probably assumed that I had been asked personally. (After all, what kind of wacko doesn't ask someone before putting his/her name down?). I'm pretty sure that invalidates my responsibility as a godparent, but I'll do what I can and the most that I can do is pray for the kid.
[/quote]

From a strict standpoint, I would have to assume that they cannot force upon you the obligations of a godparent without your consent. On the other hand, it would most likely be quite meritorious for you to take on those responsibilities willingly, at least to whatever extent you are able, to try to pick up the obvious slack that they will be leaving.