No one becomes Catholic alone. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults gives each inquirer a sponsor from the parish who accompanies them through inquiry and the catechumenate, and each catechumen a godparent, who may be the same person, chosen for the Rite of Election, the Easter Vigil and the years after. Candidates already baptized have a sponsor for their reception and Confirmation. It is one of the most important lay ministries in the Church, and one of the least visible: the sponsor's work is mostly conversation, presence and prayer. This guide sets out who may serve and what the role asks, so that you can say yes with your eyes open.

What you need

• To be a confirmed, practising Catholic at least sixteen years old who has received the Eucharist
• One evening a week for the sessions, and the dates of the rites through Lent and Easter
• A habit of praying for your candidate by name, daily
• Willingness to stay in touch for at least a year after the Vigil

When to pray it

From the first inquiry sessions through the Easter Vigil and the year of mystagogy that follows; the Rite of Election is on the First Sunday of Lent and the scrutinies on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays.

Steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Know who may sponsor

   Canon law sets the requirements for a godparent, and the Church applies them to OCIA sponsors: a Catholic who has completed sixteen years of age (the bishop or pastor may allow an exception), has been confirmed and has received the Eucharist, leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role, is not bound by any canonical penalty, and is not the father or mother of the one to be baptized. A married Catholic must be in a marriage recognised by the Church. There is one godparent, or one of each sex. A baptized non-Catholic Christian may stand as a Christian witness together with a Catholic godparent but may not be the godparent. The candidate usually chooses their own; the parish confirms the choice.

Tips

• You do not have to be a theologian. Your candidate has teachers; what they need from you is a Catholic friend who lives the faith and will answer honestly, including 'I don't know, let's ask'.
• A parent may not be a godparent for their own child, and a baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve only as a Christian witness alongside a Catholic godparent.
• The godparent for Baptism is ideally also the sponsor at Confirmation, so that one person stands with the candidate throughout.
• Keep the confidences your candidate shares. Much of what you hear is spoken because you are trusted.

Related saints

• Saint Monica
• Saint Augustine of Hippo