Becoming a Godfather


Blog / Monday, July 28th, 2014

When my first niece was born in March, I was more than delighted to learn that my sister intended to name me as her Godfather. I’ll admit, part of my delight came from taking up the mantle as head of the family just like Michael Corleone did in The Godfather. The other part of me was excited to have the title and responsibility and a niece I could claim to be more special than the others. Not once did I hesitate with the decision of becoming a Godfather.

This past weekend, while Amelia was just hitting four and a half months of life, she was baptized.

Pouring the Holy Water
Photo Credit: Lauri Zawacki

The ceremony took place at St. Patrick’s Parish in Whitewater, WI. This was where my sister and I grew up and where we both were confirmed. It seemed right especially since my sister has yet to find a church she will attend closer to her home. It was nice having familiar faces in the crowd for Amelia’s big day, it made it feel less foreign and less like we were imposing on people’s days.

During the ceremony, the priest asked the standard questions of the parents and Godparents. When he turned to me and asked:

Do you reject Satan and all his works?

And all his empty promises?

Do you believe in the God the Father, almighty, creator of heaven and earth?

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?

I could not help but imagine the scene from The Godfather and my mind kept flashing to murders taking place simultaneously. It made me smile. Not the murders, but the fact that my mind wouldn’t let the cinematic scenes be forgotten even in a serious setting.

Proud Parents and Godparents
Photo Credit: Lauri Zawacki

After the ceremony, we headed over to my parents’ house for a nice Sunday party. Food, family, and friends celebrated in Amelia’s honor. There also was a healthy photo-session, until the baby of honor started to get fussy.

Godfather & Goddaughter
Photo Credit: Lauri Zawacki

Maybe someday in the future, I’ll have the opportunity of becoming a Godfather again. I doubt I’ll object. Unless, of course, I get too many requests due to my local notoriety as an organized crime don.

Godfather, Amelia, and Ellie
Photo Credit: Lauri Zawacki

Is it true?
Don’t ask me about my business, Kay.
Is it true?
Don’t ask me about my business…
No…
ENOUGH!
All right. This one time I’ll let you ask me about my affairs.

Is it true? Is it?
No.

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