Page of PagesTHE ROLE OF THE SPONSOR
Each catechumen or candidate in the RCIA process is given a sponsor for the faith journey. Sponsors are simply ordinary people, living ordinary lives in the everyday world. They are not experts in theology or master teachers. They are just men and women who are willing to spend some time with others who are on the journey to God.
Sponsors minister in a unique way within the parish. They represent the entire parish community to the catechumen or candidate. They serve as a link between the RCIA people and the parish family. They are companions, guides, coaches, cheerleaders, and, most importantly, friends to those who are looking at the Catholic Church to determine whether it is the life path they wish to follow.
Sponsors attend liturgy with their candidate or catechumen and also participate in catechetical sessions. They do not have to be able to teach Catholicism; they are simply asked to live it in such a way as to model it for another person.
Catechists teach and “talk the talk.” Sponsors are those who journey and “walk the walk.”