WHAT IS A SPONSOR

 (from) INTRODUCTION TO THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION (USCC 1977)

According to the Rite:

“...a man or woman who knows the candidate, helps him/her, and witnesses to his/her morals, faith and intention...”

“...the part of the sponsor is to testify to the faith of the candidate or, together with the parents, to profess the church’s faith.”

“...(one) who is close to the candidate because of his/her example, character and friendship.”
 

CONFIRMATION POLICY AT ST. CLARE OF MONTEFALCO

1. Sponsors are to be:

            Persons, other than parents of the candidates, who are designated by the candidates themselves.  A baptismal Godparent is an ideal sponsor, since Confirmation is the confirming of our baptismal vows.

2. Sponsors should have:

a)      An active prayer life

b)      Maturity - 16 years old or older: someone who has received Baptism, Eucharist and    Confirmation

c)      Sacramental life - that is regular Mass attendance, Eucharist and Reconciliation

(in other words, be an Active Catholic)

3. Sponsors are:

            a. Friends of the candidate

            b. Able to share insight into life

            c. Able to share values

            d. Able to share faith

EXPECTATION OF THE SPONSOR

1. Attend every sponsor/candidate meeting and Rite of Enrollment Mass and the Candidate/Sponsor Meetings
   .    (If sponsor cannot attend, parents or other guardians are invited to participate.)

2. Take an active interest in the development of the candidate during the two-year preparation.
3. Pray for the candidate.
4. Attend rehearsal before Confirmation and the Confirmation Ceremony.

REQUIREMENTS OF CANDIDATES IN CHOOSING THEIR SPONSORS

1. Give serious thought to whom you wish to be your sponsor.

2. When you have decided, write, call or visit the person you are asking to be your sponsor.

3. Tell him/her:

   1. What the sponsor is to mean in your life.

   2. Why you have asked this person to be your sponsor.

   3. Give him the article WHAT DO SPONSORS DO?

   4. Invite your sponsor to attend any Confirmation meetings, blessings and practice.

4.  After you have contacted your sponsor write a letter to your teacher with the following information:

1. Include the name, address (including city, state and zip code) and phone number of the sponsor

2. Tell why you have chosen this person as your sponsor.