Can I have an out of state RCIA Sponsor?

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I’m still in the inquiry stage, but I was thinking about who my sponsor might be. I don’t know anyone in my town (or state for that matter) who is Catholic, I don’t know anyone at this church I’ve started going to. My best friend has been the most supportive person regarding me starting the RCIA process, but she lives on the other side of the country. Can I have a sponsor that won’t be able to physically be there with me? She is most certainly with me in spirit and just a phone call away.
 
From what I’ve learnt, if you don’t know anyone that could be your sponsor, one will be appointed to you in the local community where you are attending the RCIA. You might have to let the person who is leading the RCIA program to know it, though.
 
We allow it.
You’d have to spend a lot of time on the phone or emailing…but many sponsors come from far away to be there at the Easter Vigil. So long as they are available to answer questions and pray for you on the journey, it’s fine.
 
Cakemaker said:
I’m still in the inquiry stage, but I was thinking about who my sponsor might be. I don’t know anyone in my town (or state for that matter) who is Catholic, I don’t know anyone at this church I’ve started going to. My best friend has been the most supportive person regarding me starting the RCIA process, but she lives on the other side of the country. Can I have a sponsor that won’t be able to physically be there with me? She is most certainly with me in spirit and just a phone call away.
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Yes. This is certainly possible and foreseen by Canon Law and the norms of the RCIA. There is a provision for having someone stand as proxy for your actual sponsor, if the person you choose (and who accepts to be the sponsor) cannot attend physically.

You should discuss this with the pastor of the parish where you are doing RCIA, so that all the necessary arrangements can be put into place. Your best friend, who has been the most supportive, sounds like the perfect choice to be your sponsor, regardless of whether she can attend or not…
 
Cakemaker said:
I’m still in the inquiry stage, but I was thinking about who my sponsor might be. I don’t know anyone in my town (or state for that matter) who is Catholic, I don’t know anyone at this church I’ve started going to. My best friend has been the most supportive person regarding me starting the RCIA process, but she lives on the other side of the country. Can I have a sponsor that won’t be able to physically be there with me? She is most certainly with me in spirit and just a phone call away.
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Your friend may be your sponsor, however on the night of the Easter Vigil, if she can’t be there, you will have to arrange for a proxy to stand in for her. Tell the RCIA director about it and I’m sure everything can be arranged.
 
pianistclare said:
We allow it.
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Maybe it was just a poor choice of wording, or maybe it’s a hot button of mine. But I’d like to point out that “we” have no authority NOT to “allow it”. The catechumens or candidate chooses their sponsor and if they meet canonical requirements, no one can reject that person as the sponsor. If they cannot attend, they can still be the sponsor via proxy as outlined in canon law.
 
1ke said:
Maybe it was just a poor choice of wording, or maybe it’s a hot button of mine. But I’d like to point out that “we” have no authority NOT to “allow it”. The catechumens or candidate chooses their sponsor and if they meet canonical requirements, no one can reject that person as the sponsor. If they cannot attend, they can still be the sponsor via proxy as outlined in canon law.
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I meant it in the context that certain directors insist that it be someone local who can attend classes with them.
We place no such restrictions on our students.
 
=Cakemaker;13417869]I’m still in the inquiry stage, but I was thinking about who my sponsor might be. I don’t know anyone in my town (or state for that matter) who is Catholic, I don’t know anyone at this church I’ve started going to. My best friend has been the most supportive person regarding me starting the RCIA process, but she lives on the other side of the country. Can I have a sponsor that won’t be able to physically be there with me? She is most certainly with me in spirit and just a phone call away.
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Its possible BUT not suggested.

I taught RCIA for 3 years.

Sponsors OUGHT to be NEAR as well as dear to you; to help you grow in your faith, Also their are several Rites involved that need a sponsor’s support. So while it may be permitted [Pastors option] it is not a good idea, not recommended:blush:

Welcome HOME dear freind,

Patrick
 
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