 |
 |
|
[ Home ]
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults “GO therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you” Mt 28:19-20 Sponsors and Godparents
Sponsors and Godparents play very important roles in the spiritual formation and growth of the Catechumens. They journey with the Catechumens, helping and guiding them as they learn more about following Christ and about the Christian way of living. At some point in the RCIA process journey, the Sponsors and Godparents will in a way represent the Parish community in a certain way, to bear witness and give testimony to the Church regarding the readiness of the inquirers to receive into Catholic Church.
As Sponsors and Godparents, we represent the community of believers and we have to remember that in the RCIA process, "God does the inviting, the catechumens respond and the local community is the instrument and the witness." [The RCIA process, Transforming The Church by Thomas Morris] While the responsibilities of the Sponsors formally end with the Rite of Election, the responsibilities of the Godparents have just begun. From the Rite of Election onwards, Godparents are to participate together with their Elects (Catechumens known as Elects after the Rite of Election) for the rest of the process up to the period of Mystagogy. The Godparent will also be a source of guidance, support and care to the Elects throughout his/her Christian life. Although after the Rite of Election, the Elects will spend more time with their Godparents, the Sponsors are however, encouraged to continue to being a friend and a guide to the Elects throughout the remaining process journey. Roles and Responsibilities
Sponsors and Godparents must be good practicing Catholics. They are people who want to share their God experience with others so that others too may come to know and share in this wonderful love of God. > more details Who can be a Sponsor? "Sponsors are members of the local community who are chosen to accompany the candidates and catechumens through the initial periods of conversion". [The RCIA process, Transforming The Church by Thomas Morris] > more details Who can be a Godparent? Godparent must be at least 16 years of age, a good practicing and Confirmed Catholic. The Godparent will guide the Catechumen in the final stages of the RCIA process - formally after Rite of Election. > more details |