You are beginning a wonderful adventure with the Candidate that chose you to walk with them on their Confirmation journey. By accepting their invitation, you’ll be helping them to grow in their relationship with Jesus and the Church. It will undoubtedly be a time of spiritual renewal and transformation for both of you.

You have been chosen. Someone thinks you are important to them.

They see you as a follower of Christ.

Responsibility of the Sponsor:

The primary responsibility of the sponsor is to provide the candidate prayerful support and guidance in his or her Christian walk and to “take care that the confirmed person behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations inherent in this sacrament” (CCC 892).

Being a sponsor is a lifelong commitment. A sponsor takes on the role of a spiritual parent who “brings the candidate to receive the sacrament, presents him to the minister for the anointing, and will later help him to fulfill his baptismal promises faithfully under the influence of the Holy Spirit” (Rite of Confirmation 5).

Some of the responsibilities of a sponsor to the candidate before and after confirmation:

• Be a convinced, enthusiastic Catholic who lives a life of faith, and is committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of a sponsor.

• Pray regularly for and with the candidate, showing him/her how to pray by example.

• Attend Confirmation Mass rehearsal (or have stand in)

• Cultivate a supportive and encouraging relationship

• Have knowledge of the personal faith of the candidate and share your own faith experience.

• Maintain regular contact with the confirmed by phone, or email.

• Help the confirmed to learn how to experience a deeper prayer life (e.g. eucharistic adoration, invite them to go to confession with you, etc.).

• Encourage participation in the life of the Church, especially through his/her parish.

• Continue ongoing catechesis (e.g., sharing good books) and be available for questions.

A Sponsor’s Prayer

God of all ages,

You send out your Spirit to touch the hearts of people so that they may believe in you and in Jesus, whom You sent.

Loving, gracious God, send your Holy Spirit upon me. 

Make me an instrument of your love.

Make me more aware of the many ways of Your presence. 

Teach me to revere what is holy in others, and to be patient with what I do not understand.

Deepen my faith in the gospel, and help me to pass it on by good example.

With those who are hesitant or afraid, let me be a source of encouragement. And with those who are weak, let me be a pillar of strength.

I humbly accept the ministry of sponsor and pray that You will continue to guide and sustain me in this important role.

Bless us on our journey.

Open our ears to always listen; 

Our mouths to always speak our feelings, our reflections;

Our hands to reach out to others;

Our hearts to grow closer to you and all in Your family.

Lord, send Your Holy Spirit and renew the face of the earth.

I praise you through Christ our Lord.

Amen