What is a sponser, and why?

  • Thread starter Thread starter copland
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
C

copland

Guest
I have started taking RCIA and they have told me that they are getting me a sponser. What is this about? What is a sponser suppose to do? I have been a Southern Baptist for about 10 years and I have never been told what a sponser was and what they did.

Thanks!
 
A sponsor is a kind of companion and guide who will be with you as you go through the RCIA. It helps to have one person whom you can talk to about particular Catholic practices or questions other than those that may arise in class. I’m sure there are other people who are involved in RCIA who might be able to give a better answer, but a sponsor is basically a companion on the journey.
 
And if you don’t know of a confirmed practicing Catholic, don’t worry the parish will find you one. 🙂
 
Jim, I have been involved with RCIA for a long time, and you’re right on the money with your answer. A sponsor is a companion on the faith journey of our candidates and catechumens – simply someone to walk the journey with them.
40.png
JimG:
A sponsor is a kind of companion and guide who will be with you as you go through the RCIA. It helps to have one person whom you can talk to about particular Catholic practices or questions other than those that may arise in class. I’m sure there are other people who are involved in RCIA who might be able to give a better answer, but a sponsor is basically a companion on the journey.
Click to expand...
 
Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 N. Hermitage, Chicago,IL 60622-1101
publishes a wonderful GUIDE FOR SPONSORS by Fr.Ron Lewinski
It is inexpensive.$3.25 It was published first in 1980 when Fr.Lewinski was the director of the Office for Divine Worship. He is also an author of other books.

Its contents include, What does it mean to be a sponsor, traits of a sponsor, stages of the catechumentate, questions frequently asked, a sponsor’s checklist as well as prayer & glossary of terms.
In a nutshell…Sponsors are not only witnesses & companions to the catechumenate but also they represent the church. As a sponsor they are the personal representative of the church for the catechumen or candidate. Their obligation is to introduce them & make them feel at home among Catholics, as well as spread the spirit of the church from them.

The sponsors dual role as rep. of the church & as witness can be found in the Rite of Election, which you will eventually partake in.
They will stand with you before the bishop or delegate to respond whether you are worthy to be admitted to the Christian initiation.
Sponsors are role models as well which is daunting because no one is perfect. Good Catholics don’t have to be afraid of their imperfections, just humble and admit that you have them. Sponsors also reap the benefits of their own continuin conversion as they join you on this journey of faith.

Welcome HOME!
 
I plan on going through classes once I’m married (this summer) as I’m too busy with school right now. Can my (then) husband be my sponsor? He is a strong Catholic and my dearest friend.
 
Yes, as long as he was confirmed as a Catholic and notifies the parrish office or your priest.
 
I’m going through RCIA right now and my wife is my sponsor. It is has been absolutly fantastic. I feel, strike that - I KNOW that I’m growing closer to God and to my bride. We are learning so much and meeting many wonderful people. We joined a great parish with strong leaders.
 
`One thing for sure is praying every day with your wife. We have been doing it for nearly 25 years and it has helped us through the good times and the bad. Keep up the good habit you are now sharing by being good witnesses to one another. It will spread throughout your family. Congratulations on your journey back to the faith!
 
Canon Law states that there must be a practisung Catholic as a sponsor,and that non Catholics are not sponsors but witnesses. Now, I have attended baptisms where there had been no previous preparation of parents and sponsors, the parents were of the hatch match and dispatch variety, and the non-Catholic party was referred to as a godparent. Canon Law also states that a member of a Regious Order cannot be a sponsor. I have seen that fly out of the window.
One of my priest friends asked a young couple if they were regular churchgoers. The answer being negative, he refused the baptism. Off they went to the next parish and the priest there performed the ceremony.
It would appear that the sacraments hav become big social outings, with ephasis on presents, making Auntie a sponsor because she is wealthy,and having a big party after the event.
 
the sponsor for RCIA is not the godparent. the sponsor should be someone from the parish, rather than a spouse or family member, because he represents the community and as your companion on your faith journey, one of his roles is to draw you into the active life of the parish. at the beginning of lent usually the sponsor steps aside and the godparent “takes over” although usually the sponsors stay involved because the want to be with you. the requirement for godparent is fully initiated adult catholic living in conformity with catholic practice and moral teaching, including church laws on marriage. the godparent may be a spouse, family member, or friend, but not a parent. there is probably no reason why the sponsor may not also be the godparent if you have no one close to you to ask.

if children in RCIA are members of otherwise Catholic families, the parents may be sponsors, but other godparents must be chosen.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top