Canon Law, which is the law of the Church, requires you to have a sponsor for Confirmation.  In ancient times, a sponsor literally walked with the candidate through a lengthy preparation period before the candidate was accepted into the Church.  Today a sponsor is a person who will also walk with you in preparation for Confirmation.  The person you choose will be a mentor, guide, and coach, helping you with questions you have about your faith and the Church.  Therefore, the sponsor’s role is not just an honorary one. The person you choose must be willing to participate in your preparation process.
 

Specifically, the Church requires the following of sponsors:

• A sponsor for the Sacrament of Confirmation must be at least sixteen years of age or older, be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, leads a life in harmony with the faith, and not be bound by any canonical penalty imposed or declared.  Finally the sponsor cannot be the father or mother of the candidate (Canon Law Number 892, 893, and 894).
• The church encourages candidates to choose one of their Baptismal godparents as their sponsors because the Confirmation sponsor continues the godparents’ role of helping young people fulfill their baptismal promises.  A proxy may fill in for a sponsor who is unable to attend Confirmation.
   

Prayer of the Candidate

O Holy Spirit, you have been with me and have counseled me ever since my Baptism.  I thank you for this.  Now that I am about to be confirmed in my faith, I ask your aid.  Inspire me and my parents to choose a sponsor who will help me to prepare well for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Be with us as we weigh the different choices.  I desire to live as a strong, faithful Christian.  Lead us to the person who will be the best guide for me.
 

Prayer of the Parents

O Holy Spirit, You have entrusted (name) to us.  Our role as parents is to guide and nurture (him/her) in every way.  Give us grace to know who would be the best partner in carrying out our responsibility to guide and nourish (his/her) faith life.

1. Under sponsor possibilities write the names of possible sponsors.  Base your choices on the above requirements.
2. Use the information to list the pros and cons of each choice in the respective column.
3. Reflect on and discuss the pros and cons of each choice.
4. Consult others.
5. Choose the best sponsor.