A sponsor is a mature Catholic man or woman who knows the candidate well, not the candidate's parent, has been confirmed himself/herself, and witnesses to the candidate's morals, faith and intention.

The sponsor is one who is free to undertake the responsibilities of supporting the candidate in his/her faith life and is chosen by the candidate after consultation with the parish staff. This person may or may not be the baptismal godparent. It is not required that the sponsor~be the same sex as the candidate.

It is preferable that the sponsor be a person of the immediate church community making it possible for him/her to attend designated preparation classes and to share closely in the sacramental preparation of the candidate. It is the sponsor's responsibility to witness to the candidate the place of the Gospel in his/herown life and in society.

The sponsor points out the candidate's gifts, encouraging him/her to use them for the upbuilding of the Church. It is the ideal time to help the candidate to become aware of the opportunities and responsibilities he/she has, to make the world a better place by prayer, study and community lifestyle. The sponsor walks with the candidate as a mentor helping him/her in times of doubt and anxieties and to watch over the progress of his/her baptismal life.

A sponsor can act as a liaison between the church community and the candidate by bringing about community awareness of the gifts that a candidate brings with his/her youth and commitment to the future church.

At the Confirmation ceremony the sponsor, on behalf of the parish community, gives public testimony for the candidate by presenting the candidate to the bishop.

After Conformation the sponsor continues interest in the candidate by affirming the faith of the candidate through witness and example. The sponsor strongly encourages the candidate to continue service to the community and to be a part of total ministry in the parish. Together the sponsor and candidate attend study groups, liturgies, retreats or any function that leads to personal growth.

In“ recent years the Church is realizing the importance of community experience as part of total preparation for sacramental receptions.

In the home is where the candidate experiences for the first time a sense of living with a community of believers who nuture, nourish and celebrate his/her faith life. Parents whose lives present a pattern of faith sparked by the fruits of the Holy Spirit hand over to the confirmand the most valuable of all lessons for sacramental preparation. A child surrounded in a home permeated with a spirit of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal. 5:22)' has already been exposed to the effects of the sacrament of Confirmation and has.i~een the difference that it makes in the lives of parents. Living in an atmosphere where the life of the Spirit is manifest provides the best resource for sacramental preparation and supplies an incentive for its reception.

It is important that parents participate in the Confirmation program by:

1. attending all workshops and meetings designed for parents
2. being present at the' inscription service and all liturgical celebrations of the candidate
3. supporting the candidate in his/her service projects
4. providing open communication with encouragement that will lead to an honest decision with out coercion about the reception of the sacrament
5. making important days in the life of the candidate special celebrations in the home; e.g., baptismal day, birthday, liturgical feasts, etc.
6. making special mention during family prayer time of the graces desired for a fruitful reception of the sacrament by the candidate
7. becoming involved in the planning of and helping with the Confirmation program
8. encouraging the newly confirmed to continue his/her involvement in the parish

If the parents have participated in the Confirmation program previously, the program coordinator may provide other sessions(re avoid undue repetition) that are separate from the regular preparation program using lectures, discussion periods, videos, films ~nd other resources that lead to a deepening of life lived in the Spirit.

These parents could work with the program coordinator in planning the Confirmation program and liturgfes. It could be recommended that the parents who have attended the Confirmation instructions earlier be recommended as sponsors for candidates who are not their own children.