Gifts for RCIA Sponsors

[LeahInancsi]

Since many of us are in RCIA and coming to the end of this journey, I have a question for those who have gone before us.

What is an appropriate gift for an RCIA sponsor?

 

[puzzleannie]

that is a beautiful thought. the first person I sponsored gave me a beautiful bookmark done in counted cross-stitch, which i have hung on the wall here in my home office-prayer room.

another couple who was confirmed last year gave us a clock, which is made of a sand-stone like substance, with the Lord’s Prayer etched on it. This is in the RCIA office for everyone to enjoy. Somebody else gave us angel mugs for the RCIA room.

 

[byHisGrace]

Its very thoughtful of you to think about the sponsors, many of whom actively dedicate a lot of personal time to walking the journey with candidates/catechumens.

As one who is prettily heavily involved in RCIA, I know one thing that I personally would find really wonderful would be if those coming into the Church would actively volunteer to either become a sponsor in the next program, or, at least volunteer some time to help with the program. Your experience in coming into the Church is very valuable, and could indeed be a key in helping people in next year’s program find their way home.
May God bless you!

 

[LeahInancsi]

I may have worded my question wrong or maybe the procedure is different in my parish. We have an instructor and each candidate/catecumen has a sponsor. The sponsor may be a Catholic spouse, friend, neighbor, or someone who has volunteered to the a sponsor for someone who doesn’t know a Catholic in good-standing in the parish.

In my case, I met my sponsor when she volunteered to be a sponsor for anyone who needed one. She’s a wonderful woman and our friendship will continue long after RCIA is over.

ByHisGrace has given me a good idea. My sponsor, Mary, is very active in the parish’s food pantry. She’s asked me several times to come work with her and I keep putting it off. I’ll definitely volunteer and plan to do so on a permanent basis.

Thank you.

 

[byHisGrace]

LeahInancsi:

I may have worded my question wrong or maybe the procedure is different in my parish. We have an instructor and each candidate/catecumen has a sponsor. The sponsor may be a Catholic spouse, friend, neighbor, or someone who has volunteered to the a sponsor for someone who doesn’t know a Catholic in good-standing in the parish.

In my case, I met my sponsor when she volunteered to be a sponsor for anyone who needed one. She’s a wonderful woman and our friendship will continue long after RCIA is over.

ByHisGrace has given me a good idea. My sponsor, Mary, is very active in the parish’s food pantry. She’s asked me several times to come work with her and I keep putting it off. I’ll definitely volunteer and plan to do so on a permanent basis.

Thank you.

What a wonderful idea! And no, you worded your question ok. My point was this…many of us who sponsor do so out of a deep love for the Church and see (at least in my case) that when I came into the church that a good sponsor could make all the difference. We need good sponsors going forward …(next years program). So, one thing that would make your sponsor’s heart very glad would be to volunteer to become one yourself. However, there are many ways to be of assistance in the parish…and helping her with the food pantry would be FANTASTIC! I’m sure she’ll be very grateful…and congratulations to YOU on your journey home!
May God bless you!

 

[LeahInancsi]

byHisGrace:

What a wonderful idea! And no, you worded your question ok. My point was this…many of us who sponsor do so out of a deep love for the Church and see (at least in my case) that when I came into the church that a good sponsor could make all the difference. We need good sponsors going forward …(next years program). So, one thing that would make your sponsor’s heart very glad would be to volunteer to become one yourself. However, there are many ways to be of assistance in the parish…and helping her with the food pantry would be FANTASTIC! I’m sure she’ll be very grateful…and congratulations to YOU on your journey home!
May God bless you!

Well, now that you mention it, I may be sponsoring my mother next year. She’s 80 years old and is torn about converting because she thinks she’s too old. The only way she will covert is if I am her sponsor.

I think I misread your first response. I could easily sponsor someone. When we went to meet the Bishop and were presented to the parish Sunday, there were still some people who didn’t have sponsors. Fortunately, there were two or three people hanging out with the RCIA group who were eager the step in.

One of the lesser benefits of being a sponsor it that you get a good seat at Mass.

 

[byHisGrace]

LeahInancsi:

Well, now that you mention it, I may be sponsoring my mother next year. She’s 80 years old and is torn about converting because she thinks she’s too old. The only way she will covert is if I am her sponsor.

I think I misread your first response. I could easily sponsor someone. When we went to meet the Bishop and were presented to the parish Sunday, there were still some people who didn’t have sponsors. Fortunately, there were two or three people hanging out with the RCIA group who were eager the step in.

One of the lesser benefits of being a sponsor it that you get a good seat at Mass.

Wow! Go for it! What an honor it would be for you to see your Mom come into the Church!..And…btw…one of the greater benefits to being a sponsor is the effect it has on you…in challenging you to continue to grow in your faith!