What is the role of a Confirmation Sponsor? The Sponsor helps the candidate in maturing into spiritual adulthood and offers his or her own life and practice of faith as an example of pursuing Christ, prayer, and service within the Catholic Church. The Sacrament of Confirmation also creates a strong spiritual bond between Sponsor and confirmandi. The sponsor should be committed to trying to be a part of the confirmand’s life whether by presence or prayer. One’s “yes” to being a sponsor for Confirmation is not just a “yes” to the teen, but also a serious commitment to God in taking up this obligation.
Being a Confirmation Sponsor is a meaningful role with several key responsibilities. Some may require more presence and attention than others, but all are important to the candidate teens faith leading up to and post Confirmation.
SPIRITUAL MENTOR
“[A spiritual guide is] …one who attempts to put one’s own search for God with all the moments of pain and joy, despair and hope, at the disposal of those who want to join this search but do not know how.”
Our teens need friends for life’s journey who are a few steps beyond on the road of experience and wisdom in the struggle to live in God’s sight. And that’s us- you and me, adults in faith.
PREPARATION INVOLVEMENT
Sponsors will be asked to engage in the Confirmation preparation process with their teen. This will include being present at select meetings before and leading up to the Confirmation Mass.
PARTICIPATION IN SACRAMENT
Attend the Confirmation Liturgy and stand with them at the Sacrament. Your presence here will show your commitment to their spiritual growth and commitment to the Church.
CONTINUED RELATIONSHIP
Maintain an ongoing relationship with the confirmandi after their Confirmation. Continue to provide guidance and support as they navigate life’s challenges and grow their faith.
What are the requirements of the Church for being a Confirmation Sponsor?
Must be someone other than a parent, stepparent, foster parent, or guardian
Has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist
Must be at least 16 years of age
Be a practicing Catholic, registered in a parish, who regularly attends Mass on Sundays and Holy Days and receives the Holy Eucharist at least once per year.