Confirmation Sponsor
CHOOSING YOUR CONFIRMATION SPONSOR
Proxy Sponsor Information
With celebrations of the sacrament of confirmation underway during the pandemic, we are aware of numerous challenges that both families and sponsors of confirmation candidates are currently facing. While some sponsors may be unable to travel or in an at-risk population and thus are not comfortable attending the confirmation Mass, the following information regarding a proxy standing in for a confirmation sponsor is reviewed here.
What is a Proxy Sponsor?
A proxy sponsor is a person who is appointed to stand in to fill the role of sponsor during the celebration of confirmation, when the sponsor is unable to attend the celebration of confirmation themselves. While the neither the father nor the mother of the person to be confirmed may be a confirmation sponsor, the father or mother of the person to be confirmed may act as a proxy, if necessary.
The Confirmation sponsor takes on a very important role. At the ceremony the sponsor presents you to the Bishop and witnesses the anointing with the chrism. Their work continues by being someone whom you can turn to for help and guidance in the days and years ahead.
When choosing a sponsor, the Church gives us the following requirements.
A sponsor should:
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Be a person of lived faith and a role model for the candidate
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Be available to spend time with the candidate during the preparation process and to take part in the celebration of the sacrament
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Be a person with whom the candidate has a comfortable and ongoing relationship
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Be available to continue to support the candidate to fulfill their baptismal promises faithfully after reception of the sacrament.
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Must be at least 16 years old
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Must be a Catholic who has received all 3 sacraments of initiation and leads a life in harmony with the Catholic faith
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Must not be the parent of the person to be confirmed
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If a sponsor cannot be present, a proxy may be designated. The proxy must have the same qualifications as the sponsor