Father Adam Park is a strong believer that being asked to be a sponsor for one’s Confirmation is amongst one of the highest honors a person can receive from a fellow Christian. In today’s blog, Father Adam Park will touch on what makes the Sacrament of Confirmation so special, and why a sponsor must take their role incredibly seriously.
For those unfamiliar with the Sacrament of Confirmation, Father Adam Park notes that it is the third Sacrament of Initiation for Catholics. The first two being Baptism and Eucharist. The Confirmation Sacrament will include the laying on of the hands and anointing in the sign of the cross with Chrism oil. All who are confirmed have partaken in three of the seven sacraments. Father Adam Park explains that those who are confirmed are sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and are now full-fledged members of the Catholic church.
When someone is preparing for confirmation, they learn that the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. When you are confirmed, spiritual strength is enriched, and the expectation is that the confirmed will go on to spread and defend their faith. Father Adam Park notes that every confirmed Catholic must pick a sponsor. The role of the sponsor is an important one. The sponsored is tasked with providing spiritual support to the person being confirmed long after the ceremony is over.
Those who are set to be confirmed should take their time in choosing a sponsor, according to Father Adam Park. Each sponsor must have received all of the sacraments of initiation. If they are married, they will need to have been married in the Catholic church. While a diocesan Bishop can make exceptions, most sponsors need to be at least 16 years of age. Godparents are a typical choice as parents are not allowed to be the candidate’s sponsor. The best sponsors are prayerful, dependable, and comfortable talking about their faith with the candidate they are sponsoring.
On the day of the Confirmation Mass, a sponsor is representative of the entire church. They stand in support and recognition of the candidate’s commitment to the church. Before the Confirmation Mass, a sponsor will be asked to share their faith story with the candidate and attend any practice liturgies leading up to the event.
Father Adam Park always appreciated the fact that Confirmation in many ways represents the first time a person can choose to renew their baptismal promises themselves. Because most Catholics are baptized as babies, the parents were in charge of looking out for their spiritual health. Confirmation provides the opportunity for a person to solidify their place in the church community by publicly proclaiming their commitment to the faith.
Some additional effects of the Sacrament of Confirmation include:
- The wisdom of God’s role in our lives
- A better understanding of the teachings in the Gospel
- A knowledge that some of God’s revelations go beyond human understanding
- The strength to live one’s faith with confidence.
Father Adam Park prays for every Catholic currently preparing for their Confirmation. Father Adam Park hopes these candidates realize the power of this sacrament and are guided by God to choose a sponsor that can provide them with the love and guidance they need.