Author: Geraldine Muller

Have you ever wondered how the Church’s practice of using Confirmation Sponsors came about?
Sponsors can be traced back to the early Church. Through the centuries, however, the function of the sponsor has changed.
Originally, the sponsor played a key role in a person’s conversion to Christianity. The sponsor could speak personally about the good qualities and intentions of the candidate. It was the Sponsor’s responsibility to teach the candidate about Jesus, Scripture, and the type of life Christians were to expected to live. In other words, the sponsor was to prepare the candidate for Baptism/Confirmation, which at that time, were celebrated together. The sponsor also helped the candidate develop a prayer life and lead a life of service and ministry in the community. In this way, the sponsor was linked to the candidate for life. There was a clear understanding that a person continually develops and grows as a Christian.
At the Baptism/Confirmation ceremony, the sponsor would present the candidate to the community, affirm that the candidate was ready to be converted, stand at the candidate’s side, and receive Eucharist with him/her.
By the Fifth Century, the theology of the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation evolved so that these sacraments were separated and celebrated at different times. As a natural outcome the role of the sponsor became less local and the sponsors for Baptism and Confirmation were often different persons.
One fact has not changed. The Confirmation Sponsor is still a person of faith. It is this faith that helps the sponsor see the importance of being actively involved in the preparation of the candidate. As a friend, role model, and helper, the sponsor can help guide the candidate, not only during this preparation period, but also through his/her life-long journey of faith.

Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation. It completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit which help the confirmed to be active participants in the worship and life of the Church.

Our Lady Of Sorrows-St. Anthony
3816 East State St. Ext. Hamilton, NJ 08619 Phone: (609) 587-4372
Phone: 609-587-4372
Fax: 609-587-7998
Web: www.ols-sa.org

Becoming A Sponsor
for
Confirmation

Our Lady Of Sorrows-
St. Anthony Parish
Hamilton, New Jersey

Congratulations!
You are being asked to serve as a sponsor for Confirmation. A Sponsor enters into a unique relationship in the candidate's journey of faith. Our candidates were asked to give serious consideration to this choice. They were encouraged to choose someone whom they felt lives the gospel message. No doubt you were pleased when you were asked to assume this position of trust and responsibility.
In this brochure you will find the Church’s requirements of a sponsor as well as some of the responsibilities you will be asked to assume during the candidates process of preparation for Confirmation at the Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony. Church.

Sponsor Eligibility Requirements
in the Church’s Code of Canon Law
A Sponsor should be able
to affirm the following:
I am a Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.
I am not the birth parent of the child.
I am sixteen (16) years of age or older.
I participate weekly in Sunday Mass
I am a registered member of a Catholic parish community.
My marriage is recognized as valid within the Catholic Church. (Catholics are obliged to marry before a Catholic priest or deacon and two witnesses.)
Responsibilities of Sponsors
Obtain a letter/certificate of Eligibility from your parish. This applies also to members of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish [OLS-SA] This should be submitted to OLS-SA by
April 2025
Take an interest in your candidate’s spiritual growth by engaging him/her in conversation about their preparation for Confirmation.
Support your candidate through prayer, and if possible, attending Mass together and assisting in his/her works of service and charity.
Attend the Candidate/Sponsor Meeting
March 22, 2025
Arrival Time: 9:00-1:00 pm
Our Lady of Sorrows Church
3816 E. State St. Ext. Hamilton
Have a conversation on faith with your candidate in March ideally in person , by Skype or by phone. Both of you will have a guide for this.
Attend the practice for Confirmation
Date & Time to Be Announced
Saint Anthony Church
626 S. Olden Avenue, Hamilton
Attend the Confirmation!
Date & Time to be Announced
St. Anthony Church

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