Godparents and Sponsors

RCIA Godparents and Sponsors: Companions on the Journey

Godparents and sponsors fulfill a critical role in the RCIA process, serving candidates as companions, guides, models, witnesses to their progress, and links to the parish community. The role is described in the Church's RCIA document as follows:

• "A sponsor accompanies any Candidate seeking admission as a Catechumen. Sponsors are persons who have known and assisted the Candidates and stand as witnesses to the Candidates' moral character, faith, and intention." (RCIA 10)

• "It is a very ancient custom of the Church that adults are not admitted to Baptism without godparents, members of the Christian community who will assist the Candidates at least in their final preparation for Baptism and after Baptism will help them persevere in the faith and in their lives as Christians. (Christian Initiation, General Introduction 8)

• "Godparents accompany the Candidates on the day of election, at the celebration of the sacraments of initiation, and during the period of mystagogy [post-baptismal instruction]. Godparents are persons chosen by the Candidates on the basis of example, good qualities, and friendship, delegated by the local Christian community, and approved by the priest. It is the responsibility of godparents to show the Candidates how to practice the Gospel in personal and social life, to sustain the Candidates in moments of hesitancy and anxiety, to bear witness, and to guide the Candidates' progress in the baptismal life...They continue to be important during the time after reception of the sacraments when the neophytes need to be assisted so that they remain true to their baptismal promises."

What's the difference between a sponsor and a godparent?

Sponsors accompany RCIA participants in the early stages, often selected by the pastor or parish RCIA team. At a later point, before the Rite of Election, participants choose one or two godparents who continue supporting them during and after the RCIA process. Often, the initial sponsors are chosen to be the godparents. In practice, their roles are very similar.

The Church's requirements for sponsors/godparents

Due to the significance of this role, the Church's law requires that sponsors/godparents be persons:

1. Other than the parents and designated by the Candidates (There may be one or two, of either gender);

2. With the capability and intention of carrying out the responsibility and who are mature enough to do so (generally, sixteen or older);

3. Who have received the three sacraments of initiation -- Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist -- and are living a life consistent with faith and with a responsibility of a godparent (i.e., attend Mass on Sundays, accept all of the Church's teachings on faith and morals, pray regularly, practice Confession, are pursuing a life of holiness, and others);

4. Who are in full communion with the Catholic Church and not labouring under a canonical penalty.

"Job Description" of the Godparents/Sponsors

Click here for the details.

Documents to be filled out by Godparents / Sponsors

Please download and print these documents. You can choose which file format you prefer to use.

• Certificate as Godparent or Sponsor (Google Doc, PDF, Word)

• Godparent/Sponsor Information (Google Doc, PDF, Word)

Fill out the form and submit it to the RCIA Team on the first meeting in January.

What if I don't have a godparent in mind?

You may also choose from among the RCIA team. It has happened a number of times in the past when a participant did not have a relative or friend who is a practicing Catholic and available to accompany him/her in the faith journey.