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. More is required to be a sponsor beyond being registered at a parish. Sponsors are persons other than the parents, in order to to amplify the “team” nurturing the faith of the godchild. Those who would like to be a sponsor request an affidavit (a sworn written testimony) from 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 one’s 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.