Candidates for Confirmation choose a sponsor to assist them in their faith journey, particularly in the year of preparation for the sacrament. The sponsor will act as a mentor, a spiritual example and guide, as the candidate discerns this facet of the journey.

A sponsor must be a faithful, faith-filled, practicing Catholic.

According to Canon Law, a sponsor for Confirmation must be:

1. 
   

   A Confirmed Catholic leading a life of faith; registered in a parish.

   
   


2. 
   

   Designated by the candidate; (someone the candidate has a relationship with)

   
   


3. 
   

   Capable of carrying out the role of sponsor: (someone who will challenge their faith before and after Confirmation)

   
   


4. 
   

   Of a minimum age set by the diocesan bishop (16 in the Diocese of Cleveland). And, as previously mentioned, already Confirmed.

   
   


5. 
   

   Free of any restrictions (if married, marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church);

   
   


6. 
   

   Someone other than the mother or father of the candidate.

   
   

The decision to ask someone to be your Confirmation sponsor should be a prayerful one. It should also be a request that is made in a formal way (Don’t take for granted that someone knows you want them!). We suggest you start with Baptismal godparents, consider a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, an older sibling, a Life Teen Core Staff member, a former PSR teacher, or a family friend, someone whose faith stands as an example to you. You should consider a long term reality (years from now). Don’t be hasty in this decision. 

NOTE:  If you choose a sponsor who is NOT a member of St. Mary Parish, he/she will need to obtain a “Confirmation Sponsor Certificate” from his/her parish. A simple call to that parish’s office will arrange for this. Have it sent to:

St. Mary Parish - Life Teen Office

340 N. Main St.

Hudson, OH 44236

If they are a registered member of St. Mary Parish, I will be emailing them a online Sponsor form to complete at their earliest convenience, so please make sure the email address you give below is accurate and they know to check it.