RCIA candidates are required to select a sponsor. What does that mean? Who can be a sponsor? When do I need to select a sponsor? Let's get into it...
What is an RCIA Sponsor?
A sponsor is someone who can help guide you through the formation process. This person serves as a witness to your spiritual journey into the Catholic Church. Your sponsor should serve as an pious example of what it means to be a Catholic.
Who Can Be Your Sponsor?
When picking your RCIA sponsor, you must pick someone who:
- Is at least 16 years of age.
- Is an active member of the Catholic Church in good standing with the Church. (Your sponsor should have received, at a minimum, the 3 Sacraments of the Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist).
- Attends Mass regularly (weekly, at least).
- Is not your parent or guardian.
Are There Any Other Recommendations?
There are:
- The Church recommends that your sponsor not be your spouse or significant other. But this is not a rule. And it is allowed.
- The Church also recommends that your sponsor be a member of the parish you will attend.
- The Church strongly recommends that your sponsor attend RCIA classes with you. However, this isn’t always possible.
Again, these recommendations are not strictly required.
When Do I Need to Select a Sponsor?
If possible, we'd like to have them attend classes with you. So the sooner you have a sponsor, the better.
Ideally, you need to have a sponsor by the Rite of Acceptance, which typically occurs on the last Sunday in November or the first first Sunday in December.
What If I Don't Know Anyone Who Meets the Requirements to Be My Sponsor?
No problem! If you don't have, or know, a Catholic that meets the criteria, feel free to ask one of the teachers in our class. I (Rodney Kadura) have personally sponsored many of the candidates that have come through our program and would be happy to do so again.
Any Other Questions?
If you have additional questions that I didn't cover here, please don't hesitate to contact me. (Rodney Kadura)