How to choose a Sponsor

What is a sponsor?

A sponsor is a practicing Catholic who lives their life in harmony with the church while seeking to be a disciple of Jesus. This person's function "is to take care that the person confirmed behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the duties inherent in this sacrament." (Canon 892)

What does it mean to be a sponsor at St. Gabriel?

At St. Gabriel, sponsors serve in a mentor role as the candidate prepares to receive the sacrament. A sponsor will meet with the teen for conversations about faith using a variety of topics important to the confirmation journey. These meetings revolve around "milestones" and include topics such as personal prayer, service, and Mass. Upon completion of a milestone, the sponsor will notify the youth ministry staff through documentation of the experience (on-line form). Additionally, the sponsor may join the teen for service projects, community prayer opportunities, Mass and other activities the teen identifies as important to their journey.
Upon completion of the milestones with the sponsor, the sponsor serves as a witness testifying to the teen's readiness to receive the sacrament of Confirmation at the Rite of Confirmation Mass.

To learn more about the Milestones, click here. [The Milestones]
 

Qualifications to be a Sponsor

• 16 years of age or older
• Is not the father or mother of the candidate
• Received the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation
• Participates in the Mass on Sundays and Holy Days; and receives the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation regularly.
• Actively strives to live out their commitment to Christ and to the community life of the church by a lovingly responding to those with whom they come in contact.
• If married, the marriage is valid according to the laws of the Catholic Church.
• Is willing to give support to the candidate through prayer and the example of their Christian life.
• Is able to attend the Rite of Confirmation Mass and testify to the Bishop the candidate's readiness to receive the sacrament

When a Candidate is choosing a sponsor, they should consider these three things:

• A practicing Catholic who lives out their Catholic faith with joy
• Someone you can talk to and you admire
• Someone who is available to journey with you through the milestones

Tips for Choosing a Sponsor:

• Begin with prayer- ask God to guide you to the person right for you.
• A God parent can be good candidate. Do you know them well? Are they able to fill this role?
• Is there a relative, sibling (16 or older) or family friend who stands out to you as a good candidate?
• Do you feel comfortable diving into prayer and faith conversations with this person?
• Is the person available to meet with you on a regular basis and attend the Rite of Confirmation Mass?