What does a Confirmation sponsor do?

A Confirmation sponsor accompanies the candidate in preparing for the sacrament, presents the candidate for Confirmation, and encourages the person to live as a faithful Catholic afterward.

The sponsor's main role. Confirmation strengthens the baptized person with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and binds the person more firmly to Christ and His Church (CCC 1303). The sponsor should therefore be more than an honorary participant. Canon law says the sponsor is to see that the confirmed person acts as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the duties connected with the sacrament (Canon 892). This includes praying for the candidate, discussing the faith honestly, encouraging regular Mass and confession, and giving a credible example of Christian life.

What happens at the ceremony. The sponsor ordinarily presents the candidate for Confirmation. During the anointing, the sponsor may place a hand on the candidate's shoulder, according to local practice. This gesture expresses support, but it does not confer the sacrament. The bishop, or a priest authorized to confirm, administers Confirmation by anointing with sacred chrism and saying the sacramental words (CCC 1300). The sponsor is a witness and spiritual companion, not the minister of Confirmation.

Who may serve. A sponsor normally must be a Catholic who:

1. Is at least sixteen years old, unless an exception is permitted.
2. Has received Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
3. Lives a life consistent with the Catholic faith and the responsibility being undertaken.
4. Is not bound by a canonical penalty.
5. Is not the candidate's father or mother.

These requirements come from the norms for baptismal sponsors, which also apply to Confirmation sponsors (Canon 874; Canon 893). The sponsor does not have to be the same sex as the candidate. The Church recommends choosing one of the candidate's baptismal godparents when possible, since Confirmation completes and strengthens baptismal grace (CCC 1285, 1311).

After Confirmation. The responsibility continues after the ceremony. A good sponsor checks in, prays for the confirmed person, celebrates anniversaries of the sacrament, and encourages concrete habits such as Sunday Mass, daily prayer, service, and confession. The sponsor should also be ready to listen when the person struggles with faith or moral questions.

Choose someone because that person practices the Catholic faith and can help you follow Christ. Friendship and family ties are valuable, but faithful discipleship is the central qualification.