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Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish 2130 Franklin Avenue Morton, PA 19070-1217 (610) 543-1046 fax(610) 543-6150 |
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ROLE OF THE SPONSOR “…It is for the sponsor to see that the confirmed person acts as a true witness to Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations connected with this Sacrament.” Canon 892 Code of Canon Law A sponsor is a person who is willing to be a friend, witness and guide for the candidate. The sponsor should know the candidate and be able to help him/her on this Spiritual Journey and to share his/her faith. The selection of a sponsor should be indicated at the beginning of the candidate’s immediate preparation. A sponsor: · Must belong to the Catholic Church and be fully initiated, having received Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
· Should be sufficiently mature (having completed the 16th year) in his/her faith commitment, and should be actively expressing it within the Christian community.
· Should actively strive to live out their commitment to Christ through their prayer life and by trying to be faithful to the values and moral teachings of their Catholic Church.
· If married must be married according to the laws of the Catholic Church regarding marriage and be presently living in a valid marriage. (Persons who are divorced but not re-married outside the Church are eligible as sponsors.)
· Must not be living with someone outside of marriage.
· Should be a practicing Catholic regularly attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion on Sundays and Holy Days.
· Will be an example of Christian living to the person they are sponsoring by the faith they profess in the Lord, His Church and by their support and service to their parish community.
· Must be reasonably informed on current Church teachings.
· Must obtain a statement of eligibility from his/her parish.
· May be either male or female for any candidate.
· May be and whenever conditions permit should be, the baptismal sponsor. This expresses more clearly the relationship between Baptism and Confirmation, and also makes the function of the sponsor more effective. · Cannot be a parent.
ROLE OF THE PARENTS “The initiation of children into the sacramental life is, for the most part, the responsibility and concern of the Christian parents. They are to form and gradually develop a spirit of faith in the children and with the help of catechetical institutions, prepare them for the fruitful reception of Confirmation and Eucharist. This responsibility of the parents is also shown by their active participation in the celebration of the Sacraments.” Rite of Confirmation, #3 Parents are encouraged to become involved with their son’s or daughter’s Confirmation preparation for Confirmation preparation by: · Growing in their personal relationship with God.
· Serving as models for their son or daughter during the time of preparation for confirmation.
· Deepening their faith relationship with their son or daughter during the time of preparation for Confirmation
· Attending parent programs conducted to deepen their own awareness of the meaning of Confirmation for Christian living and to assist them as they help their son or daughter freely request the Sacrament.
· Assisting and encouraging the candidate in studying the basic beliefs of the Catholic faith and performing service projects.
· Participating with their son or daughter in any special liturgies, Para-liturgy or other activity preparing for Confirmation.
Encouraging the newly-confirmed person to continue
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