While each prospective candidate receives formation from a catechist, the custom of the youth selecting his/her own personal sponsor is maintained. The sponsor, like the catechist, supports the candidate in any way she/he can during (and after) the Confirmation program. As a representative of the larger faith community, the sponsor should be selected by the youth with certain qualities in mind. These qualities are listed below.
The sponsor must:
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Be a full member of the Roman Catholic Church. That is, the sponsor must have celebrated all three sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation;
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Be an active, practicing Catholic who is not prohibited by Church law from exercising the role of sponsor;
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Be sufficiently mature for the role of sponsor;
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Not be the candidate’s parent.
Recommended sponsors:
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A respected adult relative, friend, or neighbor
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Parish catechist or active parish member;
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Those who meet the above requirements and with whom the candidate is comfortable sharing his/her faith life.