Sponsor Requirements

Understanding Your Role Your role as a Confirmation sponsor is multifaceted. As you accompany your candidate throughout the preparation process, your role includes affirming the strengths of your candidate and pointing out ways he or she can grow and become better in the practice of faith. It may involve some guidance, teaching, and explanation of points brought up in the candidates’ sessions. 
Your candidate may look to you for examples of how to live a life of faith. The role of a sponsor is one of companionship. Good sponsorship does not demand perfection. It flows from walking with the candidate, sharing your own faith story and experience, and listening to his or her story. You do not need to be an expert in adolescent psychology or the doctrines of the faith. Good sponsorship is based on your willingness to share your own experiences of being Catholic and growing in your relationship with God. 

During the program you may: 
•    Participate in service projects with your candidate
•    Spend time with your candidate doing the activities and dialogue that are found in this handout
•    Share how life in the Church has been a part of your everyday life
•    Listening to any and all questions your candidate has and seek understanding together
Sponsor Checklist During the Preparation Program 
•    Determine with your candidate the times you will meet/talk for faith sharing after each session. 
•    Mark the date of the celebration of Confirmation in your calendar. 
•    Discuss the candidate’s saint reflection with them and whether they would like to reaffirm their baptismal name or choose a different saint’s name. 
•    Help them to reflect upon their service and terms of learning to live out their faith and grow in their faith. 
•    If possible, find service your candidate and you can do together. 
•    Reflect on what you would like to receive from this time.
•    Periodically attend Mass with your candidate and talk about the readings and homily afterwards. 
•    If you are involved in a parish ministry or group, invite your candidate to join you. 


Preparing for the Day of Confirmation
•    Within the week before the celebration of Confirmation, set aside some time to meet with your candidate and affirm his/her participation in the program. Share your own insights and lessons from the process. 
•    Be on time and in the appointed place for the celebration
•    Find a gift that appropriately expresses the meaning of the event. Meaningful gifts do not need to be expensive. 

After the Celebration
When the formal process of Confirmation is over, you and your newly confirmed person may want to continue as faith companions. Here are some suggestions: 
•    Use email or phone to continue faith sharing and building your relationship.
•    Continue or begin a new service project together. 
•    Remember and celebrate the anniversary of Confirmation.