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Sponsor Ministry

The Role of the Parish Sponsor

As a sponsor from our St. Elizabeth community, you will walk with an individual through a formation process that prepares him/her to be Baptized and/or Confirmed. 

 

As a sponsor, you represent the Catholic community and serve as a companion, and sometimes a guide.  You will not be responsible for teaching, but will share your perspective, experience and faith journey.  You will help individuals discover answers to questions, but you will not be expected to have all the answers. 

 

The role of a sponsor is to minister to individuals in a personal way who are seeking growth in their relationship with God.

Traits of a Good Sponsor

Active participation in weekly worship

 

Active prayer life

Strong Christian values

 

Sense of mission or ministry

 

Willingness to share your faith journey

 

Willingness to continue to grow in your faith and personal ministry

 

Ability to commit to the RCIA process for the duration of the journey

The Environment

The  Catechumenate sessions are held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in a conference room downstairs. 

The lessons follow the Sunday Scripture readings and are primarily discussion and small group sharing in nature, similar to a Renew Group environment.  Prayer, meditation and personal reflections also play important roles in the sessions.  

The Time Commitment

The sessions are held on Sunday mornings following the 9:00 am Mass and end around 10:45 am each week.  In addition, a Saturday retreat is held prior to Confirmation or Baptism. 

A couple of additional meetings and ceremonies are also part of the process. The number of sessions will vary depending on the individual from several months to over a full year.

 

The sponsors are also asked to continue to walk with the individual after he/she joins the Church as he/she develops a personal mission & ministry in life.