sponsors live and pass on the church traditions
(Excerpt from Guide for Sponsors by Ron Lewinski, Liturgy Training Publications, 1993)

The tradition of the church is a living one; it presumes that Catholics, who desire to accept the humbling invitation to become sponsors, live the tradition that they would hand on to others. In an effort to integrate this tradition into the life of prospective church members, sponsors reach out with love and support to provide the seedbed for transformed lives.

A RCIA sponsor is a companion
Being a sponsor means that you serve as a companion, and sometimes as a guide. As a companion the sponsor must be available. Assure the candidate of your willingness to help whenever there is a need. Most of the time the help that you can offer will be support when there is hesitation, understanding when there is doubt, or comfort where there is inner conflict.

Occasionally the catechumen or candidate may need a gentle challenge from you when effort or enthusiasm wanes. A companion is called to be a friend whom the catechumen or candidate can trust, turn to and talk things over with.

As a guide you have to remind yourself at times that this journey of faith does not depend entirely on you. The Spirit is the first and most effective guide in the process. You will need to keep a healthy and realistic perspective on life and the purpose of conversion. The way of the Lord, not your way or anyone else’s, is the path for this journey, “for it is not ourselves that we are preaching, but Christ Jesus as the Lord and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake”(2 Corinthians 4:5)

Don’t worry about not having all the answers. Even though you are a practicing Catholic, you are not responsible for imparting the teachings of the Church. That is the catechists’ job. Nevertheless, the person you sponsor will likely ask you questions and seek your opinion.

Honesty is best. Don’t feel threatened or inadequate if you do not have a ready answer for every question. If you don’t have the answer, ask one of the team leaders. Your willingness to try to find an answer or resolve an issue will be even more helpful in the long run.

A sponsor is a mentor
Catechumens and candidates learn what being a Catholic Christian is all about from many people, but mostly from their sponsors. The constant challenge for a sponsor is to be open to growth in faith and to putting into practice what that faith means.

Edward C Sellner, in his book Mentoring: The ministry of Spiritual Kingship (Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press, 1990), describes a spiritual mentor as a teacher, a host and guide, an exemplar, a counselor and a facilitator of the other person’s dream. That sounds like a lot to expect of any one person. But relax, nobody expects you to be perfect. A sponsor who can admit his or her limitations and who continually tries to grow is an excellent model.

Your RCIA director and leadership team can guide you in assessing your qualifications for this ministry. Build confidence that the way you live your faith can be a positive influence on others. Trust your RCIA leadership's judgement and assume your ministry with confidence. Know your strengths and use them wisely. Most importantly, rely on the help of the Holy Spirit.

This may be a great opportunity to review your own beliefs and the ways in which you put those beliefs into action. The more you are aware of the ways your own faith is continually growing, the more you will appreciate the catechumens’ and candidates’ journey of faith.

Sponsors actively participate in our meetings and celebration of the Sacraments. They converse regularly about the participant ongoing process of faith development. Their promise is to be good listeners and to help participants to know where God is leading them without pushing them in any direction.

Please contact us if you are a Catholic and would like to become a sponsor. It is a rewarding and grace-filled experience! Don't be surprised if you feel like a new Catholic yourself when the time for initiation arrives.