How to Be a Confirmation Sponsor for My Granddaughter

Becoming a confirmation sponsor means offering guidance and support to the candidate.

Standing as your granddaughter's confirmation sponsor is an honor that speaks volumes about her views of you as a supporter and role model of the Roman Catholic faith. Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation into the Catholic Church, revered as a decision made by the candidate to uphold the Catholic teachings as an adult. Your agreement to become your granddaughter's confirmation sponsor means you are willing to guide her in Catholic tradition and belief throughout life. You and your granddaughter can spend quality time together completing activities, discussing faith and going to church in preparation for the confirmation ceremony.

Instructions

1. Meet the requirements for a confirmation sponsor in accordance with the Code of Canon Law. You must be designated by your granddaughter or her parents to act and stand as her sponsor. You must be baptized, communed and confirmed in the Catholic church. You must also be a registered member of your Catholic parish.

2. Pray for your granddaughter to provide her spiritual strength before and after her confirmation. Attend church together to act as a Catholic role model of the faith for your granddaughter. Answer your granddaughter's questions about her faith and about the process of confirmation. Describe your own experiences when you were confirmed. Provide your granddaughter with spiritual gifts such as a Bible or rosary beads.

3. Attend spiritual events such as a retreat with your granddaughter. Assist her with confirmation activities and assignments such as community service projects.

4. Write your granddaughter a letter of inspiration before her confirmation day. Include words of encouragement by congratulating her on achievements, talents and her journey of faith. Add a personal story of faith that she can relate to and the positive effects of confirmation such as being close to God and growing spiritually.

5. Attend your granddaughter's confirmation ceremony to support her as she takes her vows. Stand behind her and place your hand on her shoulder while the bishop anoints her with chism oil on the forehead and says a prayer. Say her confirmation name (typically a patron saint), upon the priest's prompting.

6. Continue to support your granddaughter after the day of the ceremony. Remember important dates in her life and maintain contact. Provide lessons of faith. Attend Mass and participate in Christian activities together.

References

• Catholics United for the Faith: Should I Be a Confirmation Sponsor?
• Saint Bernard's Parish: Confirmation Sponsor Requirements
• American Catholic: Godparents and Sponsors What Is Expected of Them Today?; William F. Wegher