Several years ago, a Catholic friend of mine (I am nondenominational Christian) asked me to be the Godparent for her child. I was honored and, of course, agreed. They have lived away from here, so it has been hard to get to know the little girl very well. But, they have recently moved back to the area and the little girl will take her first communion at the end of the month. I'm wondering, what role does a Godparent play in this milestone (if any)? I've been invited to the mass and a reception following mass. Are there any traditional gifts? Suggestions and any other info would be greatly appreciated!

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Homeschooling Mom to Daniel (12 Years), Andrew (9 Years), Stephen (7 Years) and Emily (3 Years)

*************Visit AyeOhKay's Blog - "Frugal & Fun"**************

I would definately try to attend the mass and reception...it's nice that they're back in the area so you can participate! As for your 'role' in the mass, there really isn't any, at least in my experience with my own children and their godparents and myself as a godparent. Your presence at the service *is* important though!

As for gifts, around here, they're traditionally monetary and then items like rosaries, bibles, little plaques or statues etc

Have fun!

Traditionally, the godparents give the child a bible. Ask the parents if they will be providing that. If you have the means, you can offer to pay for her veil or might consider giving her a little cross necklace. Consider making a special donation to the church in her honor, too (it doesn't have to be much - $20 or so.)

Yes, if you can attend the ceremony, do.

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"I've been rich and I've been poor but independently wealthy is where it is at."

I don't think there is a "set" godparent gift. I got a nice cross necklace from my godmother that I still have. I would definitely go and celebrate with her. That will mean more to her than anything in the future. A nice keepsake would be good, too.

We are God parents to the daughter of my DH's best friend. We were told in the event of her parents death we as godparents we are responsible for the childs spritual education/growth. As for gifts we give her anything but toys. Books are a favorite, as well as craft projects and supplies.

My dd is making her first communion this month and her Godmother will be with her during the ceremony. We have the option of a parent of Godparent. They prefer the Godparent. However, it is a MUST that the person standing with the child be able to receive communion themselves and that may be why they didn't ask that u participate in the actual service.
the only two things they must have are a bible and a rosary.as for a gift, my dd had a bible from her baptism from her Godmother and she will be carrying that. My sister is dd Godmother so we are both going to pick out a Rosary. As I know my sister doesn't have alot of extra money floating around, I told her we would be willing to go in on it with her. I would check with parents as to what she already has.
Here's some other things I can think of:
Bible
rosary
rosary box
wall cross for her bedroom
help pay for dress/veil
necklace-cross, other significant saint
earrings-cross
HTH
allgirls

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allgirls, mom to 3 girls

Thank you all for your input! I was definitely planning to attend the mass & reception. I just didn't want to disappoint my Godchild by not doing something that the Godparent traditionally does. And, I know that if I asked her mother, she wouldn't want to make me feel obligated to do anything extra. So, she probably just wouldn't tell me! Now, I feel much better about the event.

Thanks so much!

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Homeschooling Mom to Daniel (12 Years), Andrew (9 Years), Stephen (7 Years) and Emily (3 Years)

*************Visit AyeOhKay's Blog - "Frugal & Fun"**************

Maybe you could just say "I'd like to get her something she can keep. Does she have a bible or rosary or cross necklace?" That way you could find out if her parents are getting her one, and I'm sure any of those would do fine as a gift (this coming from a girl raised baptist...so like I know )

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For my first communion, I remember I received 2 bibles, which sat untouched pretty much my whole life. They weren't even children's bibles, but the kind on the very thin, almost see-through paper and microscopic type, with no pictures. Totally inappropriate for a kid. Got rid of them a few years ago. The gift I loved? A pair of jump shoes and a giant lollipop.

We purchased our niece/godchild a Black Hills Gold Cross necklace. She will be making her First Communion next weekend.