Sponsors
Sponsors are spiritual
parents (“godparents”) who
assist in nurturing the faith
of their godchildren. Baptism
and Confirmation are the two
sacraments that need a
sponsor. It is a solemn task,
one that requires individuals
who are actually practicing
the faith they wish to hand on.
Sponsors are persons other
than the parents, in order to
to amplify the “team” caring
for the godchild.
Those who would like to be a
sponsor request an affidavit
(a sworn written testimony) at
the parish where they are
actively registered. To be a
sponsor one must:
•
Be baptized, and a
member of the Catholic
Church.
•
Be at least 16 years old.
•
Have made First Holy
Communion and have
received the Sacrament of
Confirmation.
•
Be either single and not
cohabitating (that is,
living outside of marriage
with someone else) or
married according to the
laws of the Church.
•
Attend Mass regularly on
Sundays and Holy Days of
Obligation, receive the
Sacrament of
Reconciliation and Holy
Communion at least once
a year, as specified by the
precepts of the Church.
•
Support the parish of
registration by regular
tithing or some special
assistance, in accord with
the precept of the church.
•
Understand and accept
the responsibilities
undertaken as a sponsor.
This includes assisting
the parents in their
efforts to instill the
Catholic Faith in the
person receiving the
sacrament, by word and
action, and help ensure
that the godchid makes it
to Mass.
The completed affidavit is
brought to the parish of the
one being baptized or
confirmed.