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What does the word “sponsor” mean?
The word “sponsor” comes from the Latin word spondēre, which means to "give assurance, promise solemnly"
By definition “sponsor” means:- one who presents a candidate for baptism or confirmation and undertakes responsibility for the person's religious education or spiritual welfare
- one who assumes responsibility for some other person or thing
Role of Sponsor
According to the Code of Canon Law, “As far as possible the person to be confirmed is to have a sponsor. The sponsor’s function is to take care that the person confirmed behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfils the duties inherent in this sacrament.” We will be discussing choosing a sponsor during our second session together.
A Confirmation Sponsor must:- Be appointed by the candidate or parents
- Be fully initiated in the church, meaning they are baptized, and have received Eucharist and Confirmation.
- Be a practicing Catholic, meaning they regularly receiving communion and other sacraments
- Live a life of faith which benefits the role undertaken
- Not labor under a canonical penalty
- Not be either the father or mother
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Canon Law 893.2 states that it is desirable that the sponsor chosen be the one who undertook the role at Baptism
Other considerations when selecting a Confirmation sponsor:- A sponsor CANNOT be a parent of the one to be confirmed.
- Each Confirmation candidate may only choose ONE sponsor (unless there are SPECIAL circumstances)
- Because the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation are so closely connected, Church teaching states that it is “desirable that the godparent at Baptism also be the sponsor at Confirmation”, however the selection of a special sponsor is also permitted.
- If your sponsor is unable to attend the actual Sacrament of Confirmation, another adult (including a parent), may stand in his/her place as a proxy. The name of your sponsor will still be noted in the official Church record of your Confirmation
- The choice of who should be your sponsor is YOUR decision!
Things to think about before you ask someone to be your sponsor:- Your sponsor should be willing and able to participate in your formation for Confirmation.
- The person you choose as your sponsor should be someone that you admire and respect and who actively lives out the beliefs of our Catholic faith.
- Your sponsor should be someone that you trust and feel comfortable turning to for help, advice and guidance, especially in regard to your spiritual life.
- Your sponsor should be someone who, through his/her example, shows you what it means to be Catholic and who will take an active role in your preparation for Confirmation.
- After you receive the Sacrament of Confirmation your relationship with your sponsor DOES NOT END! You both are called to lead each other closer to God, to continue to grow in knowledge of your faith, and to challenge one another to lead lives of holiness and service.
- PRAY! Spend some time asking God for guidance on whom to choose as your sponsor.