Look first to one of your Baptismal godparents. Because of the connection between the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, the Church encourages you to invite your godmother or godfather to be your Confirmation sponsor. “It is desirable that the one who undertook the role of sponsor (godparent) at Baptism be your sponsor at Confirmation” (Code of Canon Law, Canon 893).

If there is a valid reason why the Baptismal Godparent is not available (e.g., death, a non-practicing Catholic) then look for a person who fits this description from Canon Law: (The sponsor must be a baptized and confirmed member living a life in harmony with the Catholic Church (Code of Canon Law, Canon 874)).

• Sponsors shall meet all requirements set for them by Canon Laws 892, 893 and 874 according to “Code of Canon Law 1983”
• Sponsors are to be practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church. They are to have received all initiatory sacraments including the Sacrament of Confirmation. The sponsor should be at least eighteen (18) years of age and have had adequate formation in the faith.
• Sponsors are encouraged to “walk with” the candidate by attending meetings when scheduled for them, praying with and for the candidate and sharing the richness of their own faith with the candidate.
• Sponsors assist parents in whatever capacity they can to support and encourage the spiritual growth of the person being confirmed.
• Siblings who meet the above criteria may be sponsors.

What does it mean to live a life in harmony with the Catholic Church?

You are looking for a person who is:

• Faithful to Sunday Mass and to the reception of the sacraments.
• A living witness to the Catholic faith.
• A person of prayer. He or she has spoken about or indicated an understanding of the importance of prayer.
• Aware of a Christian’s responsibility to follow Jesus in service of others. Someone who donates time or money to help the poor, works with youth, visits the homebound, helps out at the local food pantry, or does other forms of service.
• Honest. A person of integrity who is willing to speak up and stand up for what is right even in the face of opposition. A person who encourages you to do the same.
• Someone you know well and who knows you well. Someone with whom you will have an on-going relationship.

Once you have chosen your Sponsor, complete Sponsor Form