Sponsor a Future Catholic

 

Are you a faithful Catholic willing to accompany a future Catholic into our Church?

John 4:35-36 “I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already ripe for harvest. He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper may rejoice together.”

What is a sponsor?

  • A sponsor (or godparent) is a spiritual friend to those wishing to become Catholic. A sponsor journeys alongside an inquirer as a living witness to Christ and His Church as part of our parish’s RCIA Program.

What is RCIA?

  • RCIA is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It is the way the Church has brought people into the fullness of the Christian faith for nearly two millennia. Those coming into the faith have always had a sponsor to journey with them. You can read more about RCIA here: RCIA for Adults (18+)

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF A GOOD SPONSOR?

  • First and foremost, a profound love for Jesus Christ and His Church.

  • A person who “practices” their Catholic Faith by being active in the sacramental life of the Church. This would include regular attendance at Mass, and perhaps participating in parish activities (such as the Fish Fry, Oktoberfest, etc.), and its various ministries.

  • The primary function of a sponsor is to be a spiritual friend to the inquirer. Above all, a sponsor must be a good listener, and be willing to share his or her own faith.

A SPONSOR IS NOT …

  • A catechist (teacher of the faith) and is not expected to know more about church teaching than the average adult Catholic. Theological questions about the faith are answered during the weekly RCIA sessions by members of the RCIA team.

What is the time commitment?

  • Most involvement revolves around Mass. Sponsors attend Sunday Mass and liturgical holy days of obligation with their participant. When possible, we will try to pair participants with your normal weekly Sunday Mass time.

  • Sponsors are also required to attend special “Rites,” as the catechumens and candidates move through the RCIA process. Most Rites are celebrated at a Sunday Mass.

  • We ask that you proactively touch base with your participant by spending time with them before or after Mass, over a meal, phone call, or whatever means allows you to develop a personal relationship. It is important for you to have a sense of their spiritual journey and for you both to feel comfortable discussing how God is working in your lives.

  • Your commitment will last until the participant enters the Church at the Easter Vigil. Most participants do this in nine months; however, some may need an additional year of faith formation and discernment.

Is Jesus calling you to be a sponsor for RCIA?

If so, please enter your information below and a member of our team will respond within 48 hours.