Where do Sponsors Come From?

[Pleonic]

I’m a Methodist who is pretty sure God is drawing me back to the Catholic Church, the church of my youth. But I’m still working through various questions large and small. One fairly minor thing that bothers me is that, as I understand it, I will need to have someone sponsor me in order to be received back into the Church. But I am a total stranger at the closest Church to me and I’ve always been rather slow at making friends. How would I find someone to sponsor me when the time comes? And what does a sponsor do? Do they just “stand up” for me at the ceremony (I was never confirmed so I assume there is some sort of adult confirmation ceremony)? Or are they more like an Alcoholics Anonymous buddy (forgive the comparison) who keeps me on the straight and narrow?

Thanks for any help you can give. BTW if this isn’t the right forum for me to ask this please help me find the one that is.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

A sponsor serves as a kind of link between you and the Church. They serve as role models for what it means to be Catholic, introduce you to people and activities in the parish, and can be there when you have questions, concerns, or doubts.

You don’t have to worry about finding someone to be your sponsor. Your RCIA team will help find someone who would be a good sponsor for you. And yes, part of what they’ll do is stand up with you at the rites. But hopefully they’ll do a whole lot more!

 

[marbleartist]

I went through RCIA a long time ago and at the time didn’t know a soul in the parish. The RCIA team matched me with a wonderful person who not only was my sponsor, but became my friend as well! Since that time, I’ve had the privilege of sponsoring 7 people in parishes all over the country (we move often due to my husband’s job). In every case, I was matched with my candidate and was there to represent the congregation in joining them on their journey. I see that you are in Houston! I was a sponsor at St. Anne’s on Westheimer! Currently I’m a member of the team and a leader of the Inquirer’s Class in Austin. Most of the people who attend our class are matched with a parish sponsor volunteer- who support them through out the journey of becoming Catholic. I have found that many sponsors are people who have gone through RCIA themselves!! I will be keeping you in my prayers as you discern the path that allows you to grow in your relationship with God.

 

[cheezey]

and if the OP doesn’t mind:

when is the sponsor chosen? Just before starting the classes? After a few weeks?
thank you

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

and if the OP doesn’t mind:

when is the sponsor chosen? Just before starting the classes? After a few weeks?
thank you

I usually want to get to know the person first in order to find a good match. So somewhere between the beginning of Inquiry and the Rite of Acceptance or Rite of Welcoming.

 

[cheezey]

I usually want to get to know the person first in order to find a good match. So somewhere between the beginning of Inquiry and the Rite of Acceptance or Rite of Welcoming.

So, in quite a while from now, if similarlly done here…
And the Rite of Acceptance is at what point?

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

So, in quite a while from now, if similarlly done here…
And the Rite of Acceptance is at what point?

That’s the first rite you go through after Inquiry. It doesn’t happen on any specific date, but shortly after you have completed the Inquiry process and are ready to move on to the catechumenate. In parishes that work on a school-year model this is often around the beginning of December. In parishes that go year round this could be at any time of the year.