Conformation Sponsors

[dizzy_dave]

I read in a book “Catholicism for Dummies” That a Conformation sponsor was not to be a parent, why? My dad was mine. The priest knew it didn’t say my dad couldn’t do it, my conformation was in 1989, has this changed since then or is the book wrong or was my priest wrong in allowing my dad to do it?

 

[Unvrsl_Sldr]

This Chapter of the CCL (1983) is for Baptism

CHAPTER IV : SPONSORS

Can. 872 In so far as possible, a person being baptised is to be assigned a sponsor. In the case of an adult baptism, the sponsor’s role is to assist the person in christian initiation. In the case of an infant baptism, the role is together with the parents to present the child for baptism, and to help it to live a christian life befitting the baptised and faithfully to fulfil the duties inherent in baptism.

Can. 873 One sponsor, male or female, is sufficient; but there may be two, one of each sex.

Can. 874 §1 To be admitted to undertake the office of sponsor, a person must:

1° be appointed by the candidate for baptism, or by the parents or whoever stands in their place, or failing these, by the parish priest or the minister; to be appointed the person must be suitable for this role and have the intention of fulfilling it;

2° be not less than sixteen years of age, unless a different age has been stipulated by the diocesan Bishop, or unless the parish priest or the minister considers that there is a just reason for an exception to be made;

3° be a catholic who has been confirmed and has received the blessed Eucharist, and who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken;

4° not labour under a canonical penalty, whether imposed or declared;

5° not be either the father or the mother of the person to be baptised.

and this one is for Confirmation,

Can. 893 §1 A person who would undertake the office of sponsor must fulfil the conditions mentioned in can. 874

So, the book is right, but I’m more than positive that the Sacrament of Confirmation was valid. Anyone correct me if I am wrong, but things like that do not make the Sacrament invalid.

I hope this helps a little.

thanks,
God Bless

 

[workinprogress8]

At my parish it was just discouraged to pick your parent as your sponsor, but you still could. So I don’t think that the priest was wrong in allowing you to choose your dad.

dizzy_dave:

I read in a book “Catholicism for Dummies” That a Conformation sponsor was not to be a parent, why? My dad was mine. The priest knew it didn’t say my dad couldn’t do it, my conformation was in 1989, has this changed since then or is the book wrong or was my priest wrong in allowing my dad to do it?

 

[Mary1973]

Maybe it is just a custom not to pick your parents so that your confirmation sponsor will be there for you if something should happen to your parents.

I know that I had a problem in finding sponsors for my sons because almost none of my family goes to church. One had a cousin’s husband and my friend was sponsor for son #2. Isn’t that sad?