If you’re planning to receive your Confirmation next spring, please submit your sponsor’s information by Thanksgiving 2026.
Here are some guidelines to help you pick a Confirmation sponsor.
Sponsor Requirements
To be a Confirmation sponsor in the Catholic Church, generally, one needs to meet the following requirements:
- Age: be at least 16 years old.
- Sacraments: be a confirmed Catholic yourself and have received the Eucharist.
- Faithful Life: be actively practicing your faith and living according to Catholic teachings.
- Not the Parent: cannot be the candidate’s parent; the role is meant to be a mentor and guide.
Choosing a Sponsor
When choosing a Confirmation sponsor, take your time to reflect on the important people in your life. Here are some suggestions to help you as you make your choice:
- Think about the qualities you want your sponsor to have.
- Think about people who are good examples for you.
- Ask yourself if one of your godparents would be a good sponsor.
- Talk with your parents and other family members about who would be a good choice.
- Pray to the Holy Spirit.
- Talk with your sponsor and explain why you chose him or her; remember to share with them their responsibility.
What a Sponsor Can Do
- Spend time getting to know their candidate, possibly taking them out to dinner or lunch, or inviting them over to your home, discussing and listening to the candidate’s spirituality.
- Meet with their candidate regularly throughout this year of preparation and discuss in greater detail the topics addressed in the preparation sessions.
- Share their faith story with their candidate. Pray for and with the candidate.
