Walk with someone as they discover the Catholic faith.

Becoming Catholic is more than completing a series of classes. It is a journey of faith — and no one should have to make that journey alone.

An RCIA Sponsor accompanies a catechumen (someone preparing for Baptism) or candidate (someone already baptized who is preparing to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church) as they learn, pray, ask questions, and become part of our parish community.

You do not need to be a theologian or have all the answers.

You simply need to be a practicing Catholic willing to show up, listen, pray, encourage, and share your faith.

A Ministry of Accompaniment

At its heart, being an RCIA Sponsor is about relationship.

As a sponsor, you become a familiar Catholic friend during what can be an exciting — and sometimes overwhelming — journey into the Church.

You will have the opportunity to walk beside someone as they encounter the Catholic faith, experience the liturgical life of the Church, receive the Sacraments, and begin to discover their own place within the parish community.

And sponsorship often becomes a journey of renewal for the sponsor too.

Many lifelong Catholics discover that accompanying someone through RCIA deepens their own understanding and appreciation of the faith.

What Does an RCIA Sponsor Do?

Sponsors accompany their catechumen or candidate throughout the RCIA journey. This normally includes:

• Attending the weekly RCIA sessions so you understand what your candidate or catechumen is learning.
• Being available to listen to questions, concerns and doubts.
• Helping clarify basic questions about Catholic life and faith — while allowing the RCIA team, catechists and priests to handle formal catechesis.
• Sharing your own experience of Catholic faith when appropriate.
• Praying regularly for the person you are accompanying.
• Encouraging participation in Sunday Mass and parish life.
• Helping your candidate or catechumen become comfortable within the parish community.
• Accompanying them at the appropriate RCIA rites and celebrations.
• Supporting them as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation.

Sponsors may also help their candidate or catechumen choose a Confirmation name and serve as a witness to their faith, character and intention as they move through the different stages of RCIA.

You Don't Have to Know Everything

One of the most important things to know about becoming a sponsor is this:

You are not expected to be the catechist.

The RCIA team provides the teaching.

Your role is to walk alongside the person who is receiving it.

If a question comes up that you don't know how to answer, that's completely fine. You can help them bring the question to one of our catechists or priests — and you may even learn something new together.

Celebrating the Journey Together

Depending on whether you are accompanying a catechumen or candidate, you may participate with them in several important moments of their journey, including:

For Catechumens
Rite of Acceptance • Rite of Election • the Scrutinies during the Period of Purification and Enlightenment • the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil

For Candidates
Rite of Welcoming • Calling of Candidates to Lenten Renewal • the Sacraments of Initiation

These celebrations allow the entire parish community to recognize, pray for and support those preparing to enter the Church.

Who Can Become a Sponsor?

At St. Bonaventure Parish, an RCIA Sponsor should:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist
• Be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church
• Be a registered member of the parish
• Be someone other than the parent, guardian or spouse of the catechumen or candidate

If you're wondering whether you meet the requirements, please contact us. We're happy to help.

Could God Be Calling You to Walk With Someone?

You don't need extraordinary qualifications.

Sometimes the greatest gift you can offer another person is simply to say:

“I'll walk with you.”

By becoming an RCIA Sponsor, you can help someone find a home in the Catholic Church — while having the opportunity to rediscover the beauty of your own faith along the way.

Interested in Becoming an RCIA Sponsor?