Confirmation: Sponsor Information

The Role of the Confirmation Sponsor

It is a great privilege to be called to the role of Sponsor for the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is a wonderful gift to accompany another as they journey in faith. As a sponsor you play the part of guide, mentor, faith sharer and witness to our identity, that as members of His body (the Catholic Church is the Body of Christ) we get to share in His everlasting life, share in His plan for our salvation. 

What are the requirements to be a Sponsor? 

• Must be a practicing, confirmed Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Must be a confirmed Catholic and at least Sixteen (16) years of age.
• Cannot be a birth parent (step-parents or guardians are acceptable).
• At Confirmation, it is desirable, but not mandatory, to choose as a Sponsor the one who undertook the same function in baptism.
• Godparents/ Sponsors are not expected to be proficient in church doctrine. Most likely, they have been chosen by the parents/ candidate because of their friendship and trusts which are most valued traits.
• Godparents/ Sponsors should pray for and with their candidate during this sacramental formation. Mass attendance with the candidate fosters close relationships.
• Another person may stand in as proxy for a Godparent/ Sponsor who is unable to attend.
• All Sponsor Forms are due back to the Parish Office as soon as possible, and a Church Seal should be embossed on the form.
•  Godparents/ Sponsors who belong to St. Mary Parish must have the Sponsor form filled out with the seal embossed. Check your status with the Parish Office.
• Sponsors must not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared – example: if married, in a marriage NOT recognized by the church, etc.

> Download Sponsor Requirements for Confirmation   

What can you do as a sponsor?

1. Help answer a candidate’s questions about the faith or be willing help the candidate research and discuss.

2. Help the candidate to come to know, love and serve God and the faith community.

3. Be willing to share your own personal faith experiences, prayer practices, joys and struggles of your own faith, and what God means top you.

4. If you don’t have a prayer practice, this is a good opportunity to develop one along with your candidate.

5. Share ways you have encountered Christ in the world and in the Sacraments and encourage your candidate to participate in the sacraments often and regularly.

6. Give your candidate the gift of your time. 

7. Pray regularly for your candidate!!

“Godparents [sponsors] are persons chosen by the candidates on the basis of example, good qualities, and friendship, delegated by the local Christian community, and approved by the priest. It is the responsibility of godparents to show the candidates how to practice the Gospel in personal and social life, to sustain the candidates in moments of hesitancy and anxiety, to bear witness, and to guide the candidates’ progress in the baptismal life… They continue to be important during the time after reception of the sacraments when the neophytes need to be assisted so that they remain true to their baptismal promises.” RCIA 43

Being a Confirmation Sponsor: #askfrmike