CATECHUMINATES, CANDIDATES, SPONOSRS
Catechumens are unbaptized persons who desire to be fully incorporated into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
Candidates are those who have been baptized in the Christian faith and are seeking full communion in the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Proof of valid baptism in a recognized Christian denomination (by way of a certificate of baptism or letter of verification from one’s pastor or church of baptism) is required of all candidates.
Sponsors: It is assumed that each catechumen and candidate has what we might call a “primary” sponsor. This is someone who has been instrumental in their life by way of example, words of encouragement, or lengthy discussions. It might be a close friend, a co-worker, a spouse or other family member, and it could be a number of different people. In addition, Saint Luke assigns a “parish” sponsor. This would be a parishioner who is a practicing Catholic and in good standing with the Church. This sponsor attends all the meetings and discussions, and participates in the various Masses and rituals with the catechumens and candidates.
During the course of the year, the sponsor studies and prays with the catechumen or candidate and helps him or her with basic questions about the faith. The sponsors are also on their own journey of faith, as they learn and explore more about the Catholic Church alongside the rest of the RCIA team. They are selected early in the process and attend the Tuesday evening meetings, ceremonies and scripture discussion.
Catechumens will also need to choose a godparent or godparents for baptism. Often this is the sponsor that has journeyed with them throughout the year, though it may also be someone else outside the parish. Godparents must be fully initiated adult Catholics who will be good role models in the future life of the catechumen.
Candidates are those who have been baptized in the Christian faith and are seeking full communion in the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Proof of valid baptism in a recognized Christian denomination (by way of a certificate of baptism or letter of verification from one’s pastor or church of baptism) is required of all candidates.
Sponsors: It is assumed that each catechumen and candidate has what we might call a “primary” sponsor. This is someone who has been instrumental in their life by way of example, words of encouragement, or lengthy discussions. It might be a close friend, a co-worker, a spouse or other family member, and it could be a number of different people. In addition, Saint Luke assigns a “parish” sponsor. This would be a parishioner who is a practicing Catholic and in good standing with the Church. This sponsor attends all the meetings and discussions, and participates in the various Masses and rituals with the catechumens and candidates.
During the course of the year, the sponsor studies and prays with the catechumen or candidate and helps him or her with basic questions about the faith. The sponsors are also on their own journey of faith, as they learn and explore more about the Catholic Church alongside the rest of the RCIA team. They are selected early in the process and attend the Tuesday evening meetings, ceremonies and scripture discussion.
Catechumens will also need to choose a godparent or godparents for baptism. Often this is the sponsor that has journeyed with them throughout the year, though it may also be someone else outside the parish. Godparents must be fully initiated adult Catholics who will be good role models in the future life of the catechumen.