Dear Parishioners,
From time to time, we get requests from people who have been asked to be sponsors for the Sacraments of Baptism or Confirmation. However, I am not always here to sign these letters of eligibility. But, if the person has been using the envelopes on a regular basis or has a history of on-line giving, the office can issue that letter provided all the other requirements are met.
The sponsor must be a Catholic who is at least 16 years old, not the parent of the candidate, and has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation. If married, the sponsor must be in a valid marriage (i.e, marriage recognized by the Catholic Church). Basically, the sponsor is to be a good Catholic role model to assist in the candidate’s growth and maturing in the faith.
Before asking a person to serve as a sponsor, it’s always good to explain the role and requirements beforehand, so that any subsequent embarrassment might be avoided. While it’s an honor to serve as a sponsor, it’s much more. It’s an important responsibility that will play a significant role in the faith development of the candidate for Baptism or Confirmation. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call me.
Fr. Carl
Rev. Stephen Hook is Pastor of the Pastorate of the Visitation which includes the Catholic Churches of Pasadena, Maryland: St. Jane Frances de Chantal (Riviera Beach) and Our Lady of the Chesapeake (Lakeshore). He is assisted by Associate Pastor Rev. John Belinki, Deacon Howard Klohr, and Deacon Rick Clemens. To learn more about our pastorate, please visit www.catholicpasadena.org.
