Sponsorship and Confirmation (Saint) Name

A Brief Guide to Preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation

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Introduction

The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church and is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation, along with Baptism and Eucharist. Confirmation completes the grace received in Baptism, strengthening and deepening the individual’s relationship with the Holy Spirit and commitment to the Church.

Significance of Confirmation

Strengthening of Baptismal Grace: Through Confirmation, Catholics are empowered to live out the grace received in Baptism more fully. It reinforces the commitment made at Baptism, either by the individual themselves (if confirmed as an adult) or by their parents and godparents (if baptised as an infant).

Reception of the Holy Spirit: The sacrament is associated with the descent of the Holy Spirit, as seen at Pentecost. Through Confirmation, Catholics receive a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit, strengthening them with His gifts, which are: Wisdom; Understanding; Counsel; Fortitude (Courage); Knowledge; Piety (Reverence); Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe).

Confirmation binds individuals more closely to the Catholic Church and its mission. It calls them to witness their faith more courageously and actively, participating fully in the life and community of the Church.

During Confirmation

Anointing with Chrism Oil: The bishop or priest anoints the confirmand’s forehead with sacred chrism oil (oil mixed with balsam and blessed by the bishop). This anointing is accompanied by the words, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” This act signifies being marked and set apart for God’s purpose.

Laying on of Hands: The bishop or priest extends his hands over the confirmands, symbolising the calling down of the Holy Spirit. This gesture, rooted in Scripture, signifies the transfer of spiritual power and blessing.

Sign of Peace: The bishop or priest typically extends a sign of peace, welcoming the newly confirmed as a full member of the Church.

Requirements for Receiving Confirmation

Baptised Catholic: Confirmation is only administered to those who have already received Baptism.

Age of Reason: While the age varies depending on diocesan guidelines, candidates are generally at least the age of reason (usually around age 7) to confirm their own faith commitment.

Effects of Confirmation

Confirmation has several spiritual effects on the confirmand. The confirmed person receives an increase in the Holy Spirit’s gifts, which strengthen them to live a Christ-centered life.

The sacrament imprints an indelible, or permanent, spiritual mark, signifying a deeper belonging to Christ. This mark indicates that the person is empowered for lifelong service to the Church and cannot be erased.

Confirmation provides a unique strength to witness and defend the faith, even in difficult situations.

Confirmation Name

To prepare for confirmation, the confirmand chooses a Confirmation name, usually the name of a saint who inspires them. This saint serves as a role model and spiritual intercessor for the confirmed person.

To find our more about the saints visit: https://mycatholic.life/saints/

Selecting a Saint

Choosing a saint is an important step in the Catholic sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. It involves selecting a heavenly patron who embodies qualities or virtues that the person receiving the sacrament admires and hopes to emulate.

Saints are seen as examples of faith, devotion, and virtue. By choosing a saint, individuals have a model of holiness to look up to and strive towards.

Catholics believe that saints, being close to God, can intercede on their behalf. The chosen saint becomes an advocate and helper in the spiritual life of the individual.

The saint chosen often reflects a commitment to live according to certain Christian virtues or undertake particular spiritual growth.

The saint may have some personal significance, or a story that resonates with the individual's journey, struggles, or aspirations.

Sponsor Requirements

Each candidate for Confirmation selects a sponsor, who is a confirmed, practicing Catholic, typically an older adult who serves as a spiritual mentor. The sponsor’s role is to guide, encourage, and support the candidate in their faith journey.

A sponsor, also known as a godparent in Baptism, plays a critical role in the spiritual life of the person receiving the sacrament. Sponsors are chosen to support and guide the individual in faith, ensuring that they stay connected to the church and live a life according to Catholic principles.

The sponsor must be a practicing Catholic, meaning they attend Mass regularly, participate in the sacraments, and live in a manner consistent with Catholic teachings.

The Sponsor is at least 16 years old and has received the Sacrament of Confirmation, marking them as a fully initiated member of the Church.

A sponsor cannot be the parent, as the role of godparent or sponsor is meant to complement the parents' guidance by providing additional spiritual support.

The sponsor should be willing to actively support the person’s spiritual development, offering guidance, encouragement, and a positive example of faith.

By having a saint and sponsor, the individual undergoing Baptism or Confirmation is provided both heavenly and earthly guidance, helping to strengthen their bond to the Catholic Church and support their journey in faith.

Attending Confirmation preparation sessions (if requested). Encouraging active participation in the Church community. The Church requires sponsors to be people who exemplify the Catholic faith and are genuinely committed to the spiritual growth of the candidate. This lifelong spiritual relationship helps confirmands feel connected to the wider Catholic family and provides a reliable guide as they live out their faith.

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You may share the information below with your prospective Sponsor

Role of the Sponsor

1. The sponsor should take an active role in the preparation of the confirmand. The sponsor helps and guides the confirmand in the Christian way of life and should take some responsibility for the continued spiritual developments of the confirmand.

2. The sponsor is properly the same as for Baptism. Other qualified sponsors may be chosen. If another is chosen, it is suggested that the young people choose a sponsor within the community who could participate to some degree in the preparation (e.g. RCIA). A candidate may have two sponsors, if there is some reason or personal desire.

3. As stated in the Diocesan Policy on the Sacrament of Confirmation, the sponsor must:

a) Be suitable for this role and have the intention of fulfilling it.
b) Be not less than sixteen years of age.
c) Be a confirmed Catholic who regularly receives the Most Holy Eucharist and lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken.
d) Be under no canonical penalty, whether imposed or declared.
e) Be neither the father nor the mother of the Confirmand.

4. The sponsor should have an ongoing, caring relationship with the candidate, not only during the Confirmation preparation process, but also after the reception of the sacrament.

5. The sponsor should communicate to the candidate the importance of daily prayer, regular reception of the sacraments, Christian service and all else that pertains to the preparation process, as well as to a continued life striving toward holiness.

6. The sponsor should have good knowledge of the candidate’s readiness for reception of the Sacrament, so as to testify in the candidate’s behalf.

7. If, during the period of preparation, the sponsor is not available to the candidate, many parishes successfully organise "prayer partners" for those preparing for Confirmation.

Responsibilities of a Sponsor

1. The Sponsor should be a person who lives a life of the Catholic faith, and is committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of a sponsor.

2. The Sponsor should pray regularly for and with the candidate, showing him/her how to pray by example.

3. The Sponsor should attend all the confirmation classes, retreats, or special liturgies offered.

4. The Sponsor should cultivate a supportive and encouraging relationship with the confirmand.

5. The Sponsor should be involved in the catechetical preparation of the candidate with great heart and dedication.

6. The Sponsor should have knowledge of the personal faith of the candidate and share your own faith experience.

7. The Sponsor should lead and guide the candidate to a personal relationship with the Lord and to a deeper familiarity “with the Holy Spirit—his actions, his gifts, and his biddings—in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life” (CCC 1309).