Choosing a Confirmation Sponsor

Choosing a Confirmation Sponsor

The person being chosen to act as a sponsor is asked to play a very important role in the life of a young adult who is preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Experience has shown that the time of preparation for Confirmation is very important in deepening the faith of the young person. The interaction of the sponsor with the candidate over the weeks and months ahead will contribute in a very vital way to that process of spiritual growth.

The sponsor is asked to fill this role because of his/her ties of family or friendship, or because s/he is viewed by the candidate and others, as a person growing in faith and seen as a good role model of witnessing to the faith. Whichever is the case, the sponsor is embarking on a shared journey with the candidate, a journey that can enrich both their lives.

The Role of the Sponsor

1. To show an interest in and support the developing faith of the young person.

2. To accompany the person being confirmed on their faith journey.

3. To give witness to the faith and model good Christian values.

4. To be a good listener and ask the questions that encourage the candidate’s thinking.

5. To take an interest in the person’s religious education and take responsibility for it should that become necessary.

Church Requirements

The Church requires that a sponsor meet certain requirements in order to serve as the sponsor of a candidate for Confirmation or Baptism.

1. The sponsor needs to be a practicing Catholic who lives a life of faith that serves to guide and motivate the candidate.

2. The person needs to be sixteen years of age or over.

3. It is desirable that the sponsor be one of the candidate’s baptismal godparents because Confirmation continues and deepens the grace of Baptism. Essentially whoever is chosen as a sponsor needs to be practicing and engaging with their faith.