Sponsors

An Introduction to Sponsors

• For baptism, sponsors are typically called “Godparents.”
• For infant baptism, one sponsor is required and two are acceptable. If one has two sponsors, one must be male and the other female. 
• For adult baptism (through RCIA) and for both teen confirmation and adult confirmation (through RCIA or not), one typically has one sponsor, though two are acceptable.

Sponsor Requirements: Sponsors must:

• be asked to be a sponsor:
  • by the person receiving the sacrament.
  • by the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the person receiving the sacrament, if the person receiving the sacrament is below the age of seven.
• be at least 16 years of age.
• have received baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist in the Catholic Church.
• be either
  •  unmarried, or
  • in a marriage that was witnessed or blessed in the Catholic Church.
• attend Mass and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Penance regularly.
• intend to attend the Mass at which the person you are sponsoring is to receive their sacrament(s).
• not be a parent of the person receiving the sacrament.

Duties of Sponsors for Teens/Adults:

• pay special attention to the candidate during his/her time of sacramental preparation
• assist where needed in his/her effort to live a Christian life that reflects the spirit and teaching of the Catholic Church 
• provide a good Christian example
• pray for the candidate
• share and discuss what living a Catholic life means to the two of you.
• provide emotional support