sponsor guidelines
A sponsor must be:
- a practicing and Confirmed Catholic
- sufficiently mature in their own faith
- at least 16 years of age
- prayerful, open, and loving.
- It oftentimes is even more beneficial if the sponsor lives nearby and can meet with the candidate.
- He or she cannot be the candidate’s mother or father. A baptismal godparent is the preferred choice, given the link between Baptism and Confirmation, or the candidate may choose another adult who has had an impact on the faith of the young person.
Why do Confirmation candidates need sponsors?
A sponsor’s role is to support the candidate in his/her commitment to a Christian life. The sponsor must
know the candidate and be willing to serve as a strong and long-lasting Christian influence. The sponsor
represents the support and prayers of the entire Church. He or she will be the candidate’s “spiritual
companion” and this experience begun at this time can extend throughout the life of the candidate well
beyond Confirmation. If a candidate needs assistance with finding a sponsor, contact the administrative
assistant of faith formation at St. Michael.
What does a sponsor need to do?
- Provide a certificate from the pastor of your (the sponsor's) parish concerning the requirements for being a sponsor - see the blank certificate here in Word or fillable pdf (please complete the pdf in Adobe to e-sign). Then, please submit your certificates using this form.
- During this process there should be a self-directed meeting, perhaps over a meal, between the candidate and sponsor to discuss matters of faith and the spiritual life.
- Attend the Confirmation Mass and dress rehearsal. If the sponsor can't be there, they should make arrangements for a proxy.
- Share your faith story with the candidate, encourage them to think about and share their story, too. Be the person who notices the candidate’s gifts, values the person, and affirms them.
- Pray for and with the candidate throughout the Confirmation process.
- Commit to doing some community or parish service together with the candidate.
- Take a day trip to Emmitsburg's Grotto of Lourdes, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Basilica of the Annunciation, Franciscan Monastery, or elsewhere.
- Sponsors can keep up with the sessions using this Story Guide.
- Continue to be there for the candidate and lend spiritual support in life after the Confirmation ceremony is over. The gift of supporting this candidate is a lifetime opportunity.
How do I register?
Ask the teen you are sponsoring to fill out your name in their registration form. Also, please fill out this sponsor form as indicated above.
What gatherings do you need me to attend?
You are invited to attend the orientation meeting (optional), Confirmation Mass rehearsal (required) and the Confirmation Mass (required).