Sponsors

Click here for the Sponsor Form. Both must be filled out and return either via mail to St. John Neumann, 5455 Bee Cave Road, Austin, Texas, 78746, or faxed to (512) 328-3226. The candidate may also turn it into Andrew Schuelke.

The sponsor brings the candidate to receive the sacrament, presents him/her to the minister for the anointing and will later help him/ her to fulfill his/ her baptismal promises faithfully under the influences of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Rite of Confirmation. Introduction No. 5

The sponsor’s function is to take care that the person confirmed behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the duties of this sacrament.” ~ Code of Cannon Law #892

As a confirmation sponsor, your role is to encourage the faith of your candidate, be an example to your confirmation candidate and reflect with the candidate on the meaning of a life of Catholic discipleship.

Requirements of being a sponsor

The Code of Canon Law (Church Law) specifies the requirements for serving as a sponsor at confirmation (Canon 893) are the same as those for godparents at baptism (Canon 874):

• You may not be the parent of the person being confirmed;
• you must be at least 16 years old;
• you must be fully initiated (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist);
• if married, be in valid Catholic marriage;
• must not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared;
• and live a life of active faith in the Catholic Church.

Role of the sponsor

The sponsor represents the prayers and support of the entire Church. He/she will be the candidate’s “spiritual friend.” In this program, the following is asked if the sponsor will:

• Attend the confirmation rehearsal.
• Attend the liturgy of confirmation.
• To meet with or talk on the phone with the candidate regularly throughout the preparation time and discuss the topics addressed in the preparation sessions.
• To share his/her faith story with the candidate.
• Pray for and with the candidate.
• Present the candidate during the Confirmation Rite.
• Continue to be there for the candidate and lend spiritual support after the confirmation ceremony is over. A suggestion: send a card or note every year on the anniversary of his/her confirmation.