What do I call the Confirmante I sponsored?

[8blessed]

So my bestfriend asked me to sponsor her daughter at her confirmation. I was actually second choice since her first choice did not have all her sacraments. Regardless I was honored and accepted and was ready to take on the role right away. Fast forward to the confirmation, the ceremony was beautiful and all was done. I hugged and congratulated my friends daughter along with a little gift. I was thanked for being a sponsor and that was that. Now back when I was confirmed my “sponsor” was referred to as my godmother, she became my godmother and I her goddaughter. However with my sponsoree (?) I have no idea what I am, what to call her and if my role should be as active as with my godson or my godmothers have been with me. How do I refer to her?

 

[Joe_5859]

I wouldn’t necessarily get hung up on calling her or yourself anything specific. “Godparent” is generally only used with reference to Baptism. I would find it unusual to use it with regards to Confirmation alone.

I generally just stick with referring to myself as sponsor. If I had to, I would probably call those I have sponsored my “sponsees”, even if that sounds a little silly. I don’t mind sounding silly, though.

As for your role, that is entirely up to you, your sponsee () and her parents. As with godparents, some take a more active role while others don’t. Personally, I think it would be fitting to strive to be a consistent witness and resource for all things Catholic to those you have sponsored (that’s kind of the point). But I know there’s a wide variety of relationship dynamics in these matters. So I wouldn’t force something that your sponsee or her parents are uncomfortable with (like insisting she sit with you at Mass every Sunday, or that she go on an annual 30 day Ignatian retreat).

 

[starlady]

I don’t think a word exists in English.

In Spanish, the word for “godparent” and “godchild” is used for Baptism and Confirmation, but English really only uses those terms for Baptism. Like Joe said, I think I would just focus on being a consistent witness of living a Catholic life. The degree of involvement would vary greatly.

 

[otjm]

You should probably call her Barbara or Sally or whatever her name is. There is no need whatsoever to refer to her as a confirmandi; many would have no clue as to what the Latin meant; and it is awkward. Sponsors (at least out here in the West) are not referred to as godparents, so she is not your godchild. She is a fellow Catholic, if pushed for a designation of her status.

I have sponsored a number of adults over the years when they entered the Church, and while I may have a special relationship with each, I don’t have nor do I need a name for that relationship. I have one who in particular has asked me for intercessory prayer and so I pray for her; and I suspect I get the request because I was her sponsor.