Confirmation Sponsors

The Sponsor's Role

"To take care that the person confirmed behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the duties inherent in this sacrament", that is: living a life of worship & service.

If possible, the sponsor should be the "godparent" chosen at the baptism of the candidate.

Requirements of Sponsors (Code of Canon Law, 892-3, cf. 874)

In order to fulfill the responsibility of being a sponsor, a person must:

• Be selected by the parents of the candidate, the candidate, or failing these, by the pastor of our parish or the Coordinator of Religious Education and be willing, as well as suitable, to fulfill the role.
• Be no younger than 16 years of age.
• Be a Confirmed Catholic who has received the blessed Eucharist and who lives a life of faith required to be a mentor in the faith.
• Be in full communion with the Catholic Church.
• Not be the father or the mother of the candidate for Confirmation.
• Be a registered, practicing member of his/her Catholic parish.

Long-distance Sponsors

Ideally, sponsors will live close enough to participate in the preparation of the candidate for Confirmation.

If they do not, a parent can serve as proxy for the sponsor at all meetings and events, including the reception of the Sacrament.

A non-parental sponsor must still be named as a requirement for receiving the Sacrament.